Take-Two CEO Says “Who Cares” If Gamers Can’t Buy Grand Theft Auto VI Discs
Take-Two chief executive Strauss Zelnick has dismissed concerns that Grand Theft Auto VI may be unavailable on physical discs, arguing that downloading is more convenient for consumers already required to connect online. His comments matter because they indicate the publisher’s view that major releases are increasingly digital-first, despite concerns over ownership, internet access and storage capacity.
Speaking after Take-Two’s first-quarter 2027 results, Zelnick said more than 90% of the company’s business is digitally distributed and compared occasional physical editions to vinyl records. GTA VI pre-orders opened on 25 June for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, with standard and Ultimate editions priced at $79.99 and $99.99 respectively; Zelnick called demand “unprecedented and astonishing” but said it was too early to judge final sales.
- Take-Two’s CEO downplayed concerns over GTA VI physical discs.
- The company says over 90% of its business is digital.
- GTA VI pre-orders are reportedly exceptionally strong.
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Take-Two Interactive is the company that publishes the Grand Theft Auto games, while Rockstar Games develops them. Grand Theft Auto VI is the next main game in the series, planned for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Games can be sold as physical discs or as digital downloads. Take-Two says most of its business already comes from digital sales, but discs remain an option some players prefer, including people with limited internet access or concerns about storage and long-term access.
The choice matters because it affects how people buy and keep games, and what equipment or internet connection they need to play them. It also reflects a wider shift in the games industry towards digital distribution.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Modern gamers already require online connectivity for multiplayer, updates, and authentication, so the shift to digital distribution represents a natural evolution that improves convenience and reduces environmental impact. Digital delivery offers immediate access without manufacturing delays, enables seamless updates and improvements, and reflects consumer behaviour—with over 90% of Take-Two's business already digital. The transition mirrors other industries and demonstrates strong consumer acceptance of this distribution model.
The case against
Dismissing physical availability ignores legitimate concerns about consumer rights, access equity, and long-term preservation. Not all players have reliable high-speed internet or sufficient storage for massive digital files, and physical purchases represent genuine ownership that won't disappear if corporate servers shut down, as has happened with previous digital libraries. The CEO's flippant dismissal reveals corporate indifference to consumer choice and the growing concern that digital-only models give publishers total control over what consumers can access, modify, or preserve—a significant departure from how physical media has traditionally functioned.