GTA VI: latest announcements spark backlash

Rockstar Games has found itself at the center of a controversy following the announcement of additional details surrounding Grand Theft Auto VI, one of the most anticipated video game releases in history. While pre-orders for the open-world blockbuster officially opened this week, two decisions by the company have triggered a wave of criticism among fans and retailers alike.

Rockstar can't make everyone happy

The first controversy concerns the game's premium edition. According to newly revealed information, owners of the more expensive Ultimate Edition will gain access to five exclusive in-game shops that will remain inaccessible to players who purchase the standard version. The stores are expected to offer unique items, destinations, and other special content, effectively placing parts of the game's world behind a higher-priced paywall.

The move has reignited an ongoing debate about monetization in modern gaming. Many fans have taken to social media to argue that locking explorable locations behind a premium edition goes beyond offering cosmetic bonuses or early access, creating what some describe as a "fragmented" version of the game world. Critics say the decision sets a worrying precedent for future open-world titles, where content traditionally included in the base game could increasingly become reserved for those willing to pay more.

The second—and perhaps even more contentious—announcement concerns the game's physical release. Despite being sold in stores, boxed copies of Grand Theft Auto VI will not contain a game disc. Instead, buyers will receive a download code inside the box, requiring a full digital download to play the game. Rockstar has confirmed that all physical editions will follow this "code-in-a-box" format.

The decision has drawn criticism from collectors and advocates of physical media, who argue that a code inside a box defeats the purpose of purchasing a physical edition. Concerns have also been raised regarding game preservation, resale value, and ownership rights, as players will be unable to lend or trade the game in the same way they could with a traditional disc-based release.

The backlash has extended beyond the player community. Several retailers have reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, and some stores are even considering refusing to stock the game because it does not include a physical disc. For retailers that depend on second-hand sales and collector demand, the code-only format significantly reduces the appeal of boxed video games.

Rockstar has not publicly addressed the criticism, though industry analysts speculate that the move may be intended to reduce manufacturing costs and minimize the risk of pre-release leaks and spoilers. The company is also following a broader industry trend toward digital distribution, even as many consumers continue to value physical ownership.

Despite the controversy, expectations for Grand Theft Auto VI remain enormous. Analysts predict that the game could become one of the biggest entertainment launches of all time, with millions of dollars in projected revenue and record-breaking sales. Whether the current backlash will have any meaningful impact on those figures remains to be seen, but the debate surrounding premium content and the future of physical media has already become one of the defining stories of the game's launch campaign. In any case, remember that you can find the best deals to  pre-order Grand Theft Auto VI with our comparator.