Rumour: GTA 6 Might Not Launch Physically at First to Avoid Leaks 1
Image: Push Square

The question on everybody's lips right now is whether Grand Theft Auto 6 really will launch on 19th November, 2026, or if it'll be delayed again. Here's another question, though — how will it launch?

One would presume, for a game of this magnitude, a simultaneous physical and digital release would be appropriate. However, a new report suggests retailers might not receive disc copies of the game — at least initially.

Polish website PPE.pl cites a "trusted" source named Graczdari, who apparently correctly revealed various things in the past, such as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024's PS5 port.

According to Graczdari, "who handles physical video game sales in Europe", Take Two currently doesn't have plans to launch a physical version of GTA 6; at least, not day one alongside the digital edition.

The report says this would be a tactic to help prevent leaks and spoilers from those who receive the game early, something that can happen when games are distributed physically.

If this really is what the publisher is planning, Graczdari is unsure exactly what the release timing will be for the physical version. They say they're hearing conflicting things, with some saying it'll become available a few weeks after the digital debut, and others saying it won't be until early 2027.

It sounds plausible, in a way; Rockstar Games is a famously walled-off company, for one thing, and the only physical version that'll shift any copies is on PS5. Even then, physical games is a rapidly shrinking part of the market, so delaying GTA 6's arrival in stores won't have a big material impact on the game's sales.

We also only have to look at the unbelievable longevity of GTA 5 in sales charts to know that its sequel, should it delay its physical release, will more than make up for any lost business over the coming years.

All that being said, this is not confirmed information, and is based on just one source, albeit a purportedly reliable one.

It'll be interesting to see whether this has any truth to it, but of course we won't know until we're much closer to GTA 6's scheduled launch later this year.

What do you think? Might GTA 6 skip a day one physical launch to avoid leaks? Are you planning to buy the game on disc or via the PS Store? Tell us in the comments section below.

[source ppe.pl, via videogameschronicle.com]