With GTA 6 digital only, Take-Two boss says discs “don’t really make sense” – “if you’re already connected, who cares if you download digitally?”
Take-Two Interactive chief executive Strauss Zelnick has defended the reported digital-only release of Grand Theft Auto 6, arguing that physical discs no longer make much sense for players who are already connected to the internet. The comments highlight the industry’s continued shift towards digital distribution, which may concern players who prefer physical ownership, resale or collecting.
Zelnick said that if a customer is online, downloading a game digitally should not be a significant issue. GTA 6 is expected to be one of the industry’s largest releases, so its apparent absence from physical media would be a notable signal of how major publishers view the future of game sales.
- Take-Two defends GTA 6’s reported digital-only release.
- Zelnick says connected players can simply download games.
- The move reflects gaming’s shift away from discs.
New here? Start with this
Take-Two Interactive is the company that publishes the Grand Theft Auto games, and Strauss Zelnick is its chief executive. Grand Theft Auto 6 is the next main game in the series, which is known for large fictional cities where players follow a story and can explore freely.
Games are sold as downloads as well as on discs. A download needs an internet connection and storage space, while a disc can be kept, collected or sometimes resold; it may still require downloads or updates to play. The balance between these formats matters to players and publishers because it affects how games are bought, accessed and kept.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Publishers and industry observers argue that digital distribution represents genuine progress when most consumers have reliable internet access. Physical media becomes redundant infrastructure that wastes resources, increases costs, and slows delivery, whilst digital-only models enable environmental benefits through reduced manufacturing and shipping, offer superior user experience with instant access and seamless updates, and allow studios to capture full value from their work rather than seeing revenue leak through second-hand markets. For a AAA release of GTA 6's scale, robust digital infrastructure makes physical media an unnecessary middle step.
The case against
Consumers and digital rights advocates raise serious concerns about this shift. Not everyone enjoys reliable, unlimited internet access, particularly in rural areas, developing nations, or regions with data caps, making download requirements genuinely prohibitive. Beyond accessibility, digital-only distribution means players don't truly own their games but merely licence them indefinitely—they cannot resell, trade, or give away purchases, and risk losing access entirely if servers shut down. This concentrated control allows publishers unchecked pricing power without the price discipline that second-hand markets provide.