Fans hoping that Grand Theft Auto 6 would eventually receive a traditional physical disc release may need to lower their expectations.

After confusion surrounding Rockstar Games’ physical edition plans, a new report now claims there are currently no plans to manufacture disc versions of GTA 6—not at launch and not in the months that follow.

The latest information contradicts earlier speculation that physical discs would arrive later in 2026.

GTA 6 Physical Edition Will Remain Code-in-a-Box

When Rockstar officially unveiled the various editions of Grand Theft Auto 6, many collectors were surprised to learn that the physical version would include a download code inside the box rather than a Blu-ray disc.

Shortly afterward, reports surfaced suggesting that a disc edition could launch in December 2026, giving physical media enthusiasts hope that Rockstar’s launch strategy was only temporary.

However, those rumors now appear to have been based on a misunderstanding.

Earlier Email Was Reportedly Misinterpreted

According to The Hollywood Reporter, a source familiar with Rockstar’s plans clarified the confusion surrounding an email sent to customers who asked about physical discs.

The email reportedly stated that players would be able to obtain a “physical copy” in the following months.

Many interpreted that wording as confirmation that a disc version was planned.

Instead, the source claims the phrase simply referred to the boxed retail edition, which still contains only a download code.

Likewise, the reference to the “following months” reportedly pointed to the period after Rockstar’s pricing and edition announcements—not the release of a future disc edition.

No Disc Plans at Launch—or Later

According to the report, Rockstar currently has no plans to manufacture physical discs for GTA 6.

That reportedly applies both to the game’s launch in November 2026 and any post-launch window that follows.

While plans could always change in the future, there is currently no indication that a traditional disc release is being prepared.

A Major Shift for Physical Media

The decision represents another significant step toward an all-digital future for AAA gaming.

Without a physical disc, players lose several benefits traditionally associated with boxed games, including the ability to trade, resell, lend, or preserve a playable copy without relying entirely on digital storefronts.

The move has sparked widespread discussion among collectors, especially as other publishers continue experimenting with code-in-a-box releases.

Despite the backlash, it’s unlikely to affect GTA 6’s commercial performance.

With anticipation at an all-time high, Rockstar’s next open-world blockbuster is still expected to become one of the biggest entertainment launches in history, regardless of whether players receive a disc or simply a download code inside the box.