Rockstar has come under fire for releasing the physical version of GTA 6 with a download code only, with some saying the decision is the final nail in the coffin for video game discs.

While confirming GTA 6 preorders go live at midnight tonight as well as the price of the game, Rockstar said the physical version of GTA 6 contains a download code inside the box only. It will be released starting November 12 to support pre-loading, a week before GTA 6 goes on general sale on November 19.

Some have declared this a significant moment that marks the death of the video game disc. GTA 6 is expected to be the biggest entertainment launch of all time, selling millions of copies on release. Its truly mainstream appeal means physical is still a significant proposition for GTA 6, as it is for the likes of EA’s sports games and Nintendo exclusives. But Rockstar parent company Take-Two giving the green light to releasing GTA 6 — the video game to trump them all — without a disc could prove to be a watershed moment.

IGN has asked Rockstar for comment on its decision.

The move away from physical releases has sparked concern about video game preservation, and the ability to continue to play games long-term. Some have suggested that Rockstar’s decision here may be more about avoiding leaks and potentially even a damaging unauthorized release of a cracked version of the game emerging from retail distribution, but social media account Does it play?, which champions physical media, pushed back on that suggestion.

“Disturbing GTA 6 news just dropped,” Does it play? said. “Rockstar Games seemingly confirmed that the potentially biggest entertainment release of the year will be treated as a throwaway consumable. Rockstar Newswire mentions a download code in the box. NO PHYSICAL RELEASE!

“And to everyone spreading that ‘because leaks’ nonsense, stop excusing bad practices. If it gets the physical release later because of discs, all collectors and physical media enthusiasts will be spoilered. Where is your sympathy for them?”

Rockstar confirmed today that GTA 6 costs $80, which represents a $10 hike on the established triple-A video game pricing we’ve seen this generation. This price, plus the news about the lack of a disc, has caused some to say they won’t buy the game.

“$80 and no physical? Easiest pass of my life,” IGN reader DenimChicken15 said. “I’ll wait for the game to be $20 in a few years and maybe I’ll consider playing it.”

“A box with a code inside is not a physical copy, IGN reader woody280486 added. “A physical copy includes a disc that you can share to your friends when you're done playing it or trade it in at a game store when you've exhausted playing it. All that hype to show off cover art for what is essentially going to be an empty box seems so stupid.”

“And from this day onwards, the trend will accelerate exponentially,” suggested Klowjow. “If there's one thing GTA can do, it's normalise practice in an industry.”

Some are hoping Rockstar will eventually release a version of GTA 6 with a disc included, but there’s no suggestion that will happen.

We've got plenty more on GTA 6 following today's announcement, including over 60 new GTA 6 screenshots, and Sony's boast that GTA 6 "plays best" on PS5.

Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.