GTA 6 physical release may arrive later to avoid leaks

Rockstar Games might be taking an unusual step with one of the biggest launches in gaming history. A new report suggests that Grand Theft Auto 6 could skip a physical release on launch day, with boxed copies arriving weeks or even months later in an effort to prevent story and gameplay spoilers.

The claim comes from Polish outlet PPE, which cites a source familiar with Take-Two’s plans. According to the report, the game is still targeting its previously rumoured November 19, 2026 launch window, but only in digital form at first.

Why Rockstar may delay GTA 6 discs

If the report is accurate, the reasoning is fairly straightforward. Physical copies have a long history of breaking street date, often leading to leaks well before launch. PPE claims Take-Two wants to avoid a repeat of high-profile spoiler incidents that hit games like The Last of Us Part 2, as well as early gameplay leaks seen with Starfield and Cyberpunk 2077.

With GTA 6 expected to be heavily story-driven and intensely scrutinised, even a small leak could snowball quickly. Keeping everything digital at launch would give Rockstar tighter control over access and timing, especially in the crucial first few weeks.

What this means for collectors

The report stresses that physical editions are not cancelled. Instead, boxed copies could arrive several weeks after launch, or in a more extreme scenario, slip into the first half of 2027. That will be disappointing news for collectors and players who prefer owning games on disc, particularly for a title this culturally significant.

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For now, there has been no official confirmation from Rockstar or Take-Two. Physical pre-orders could still appear, or the publisher could move quickly to shut down the speculation. Until that happens, this remains a rumour, albeit one that fits neatly with how cautious major publishers have become around leaks.

If Rockstar does go digital-first, it would be a telling sign of how modern blockbuster launches are evolving, even for a series as traditionally massive as Grand Theft Auto.