Video games are moving decisively away from physical media, with two announcements in June 2026 signalling that discs may soon disappear altogether. Rockstar Games confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI, due for release on 19th November 2026, will come with only a download code in its physical box rather than an actual disc, even as it revealed pricing of $79.99 for the base edition and $99.99 for the Ultimate Edition. Given GTA VI's status as one of the most anticipated releases in gaming history, the decision could set a precedent that pushes other major publishers to abandon discs for future big-budget titles, with knock-on effects for players' ability to resell, share or preserve games.

The shift reflects a broader industry trend towards digital distribution: Capcom reported that 93 percent of its game sales were digital in its last fiscal year, a figure it expects to rise to 95.4 percent, while consoles such as the PS5 and Xbox Series have long offered cheaper disc-less versions. Popular titles including Roblox and Fortnite are already digital-only. The Verge's Jay Peters, who has moved entirely to digital libraries himself, warns that this trajectory raises concerns for players and game preservationists, who may need to prepare for a future without physical copies at all.