Physical game discs could be nearing the end of their mainstream run. That shift may become especially noticeable with major releases such as "GTA 6."
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick recently suggested that physical discs may no longer make much sense for most players. However, he has not completely closed the door on a disc-based version of the highly anticipated game.
How 'GTA 6' Will Be Sold
GTA 6 is not expected to launch with the traditional physical disc format.
In an interview with IGN, Zelnick said more than 90% of Take-Two's sales now come from digital purchases. He also noted that many modern games already require an internet connection.
For Take-Two, digital distribution is therefore becoming the more practical option. It allows games to reach players without relying as heavily on manufacturing, packaging, shipping, and retail distribution.
Instead, physical copies sold through retailers will reportedly come with a box containing a digital download code. Players can then use that code to access the game without receiving an actual game disc.
That does not mean physical editions are disappearing altogether.
Zelnick has left open the possibility of releasing "GTA 6" on a physical disc at some point. For now, though, Take-Two's current strategy points toward digital access.
This could disappoint collectors and players who still prefer keeping physical games on their shelves.
Why Take-Two Prefers Digital Distribution
The move toward digital sales is also tied to the economics of modern game publishing.
Producing physical discs requires additional costs. Games need to be manufactured, packaged, transported, and distributed to stores. Digital releases remove much of that process.
For a game as large as "GTA 6," even small savings across those areas could add up quickly. Digital distribution can also make it easier for publishers to manage sales and deliver games directly to customers.
However, a 60FPS performance for this Rockstar game could be difficult to achieve on high-end consoles, according to a former Rockstar director.
Take-Two does not appear to view the digital shift as a threat to its financial performance, according to GameSpot. Instead, the company sees it as a potentially more efficient business model.
Will Physical Games Disappear?
According to Zelnick, physical games will not necessarily disappear.
Zelnick compared physical games to vinyl records. Digital music dominates the industry, but vinyl remains popular among collectors and enthusiasts. Video games could follow a similar path.
Physical copies may eventually become a smaller part of the market. They could be aimed more at collectors, dedicated fans, and players who simply prefer owning a tangible product.
That would make physical editions less common. It would not necessarily make them extinct.
Zelnick also emphasized that the decision surrounding GTA 6 was based on what Take-Two believed was best for the game. He said the decision was not influenced by Sony's announcement concerning the end of physical disc support in 2028.
In other news, Player One reports that "GTA 6 Online" could arrive soon based on Take-Two's latest earnings call.
