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Rockstar Games has confirmed that GTA 6 will not be released in a traditional physical format. Instead, retail boxes will contain only a download code, a decision that has sparked significant industry controversy.
Gameshop Twente, a Dutch retailer, has officially decided to boycott the game. Floran Gelderman of the store stated they refuse to sell download codes as physical products, noting that the title does not align with their commitment to selling actual discs and cartridges.
Gelderman expressed concerns regarding the broader industry shift toward digital dependency. He argued that relying on publisher servers for game access threatens true ownership, as server failures could render games unplayable. The store reports a noticeable decline in physical Xbox titles and notes that Sony is expected to fully transition to digital-only formats by 2028.
While Gameshop Twente maintains its principles, other retailers are pivoting to survive. Micromania in France has diversified by focusing on retro gaming, collectibles, and merchandise following its acquisition by a Franco-Quebecois consortium.
