GTA VI's Disc-Free Physical Box Signals Industry Shift on Ownership

Rockstar Games is shipping GTA VI's physical retail edition as a download code in a box—no disc. Players cannot resell, lend, or play offline. This marks the first time a flagship AAA title has adopted the strategy at scale. The move aligns with Sony and Microsoft's push toward digital distribution but erodes the distinction between physical and digital products. EU regulators and consumer advocates are likely to scrutinize what "ownership" means when a £70 box contains only a code.