Rockstar Games is reportedly considering delaying the physical release of Grand Theft Auto 6 and opting for a digital-only launch to reduce leaks.
GTA 6 is currently expected to launch in November 2026 and is widely anticipated to be the biggest video game release of the year. While Rockstar has not officially confirmed any changes to its release plans, a new report suggests the publisher is exploring alternative distribution strategies following previous high-profile leaks.
GTA 6 physical copies delayed
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Before GTA 6 was officially revealed in December 2023, a large amount of gameplay footage from an early development build leaked online. The incident was one of the most significant leaks in the industry’s history, and while Rockstar continued development as planned, the company has remained silent on the internal impact.
Leaks have long plagued major releases, particularly when physical copies are shipped to retailers ahead of launch. According to a report shared on Reddit by user Fluffy_Moose_73, citing Polish gaming outlet PPE, Rockstar is considering not releasing physical copies of GTA 6 on its reported launch date of November 19, 2026.
No Delay to Release Date — Just Physical Copies
The report claims the game’s release date will remain unchanged, with GTA 6 launching digitally as scheduled. Physical editions would allegedly be released at a later date, reducing the risk of retail copies being sold early.
This approach would allow Rockstar to retain full control over distribution at launch and significantly lower the chances of spoilers or gameplay footage appearing online before release.
Why Rockstar Might Go Digital First
Beyond leak prevention, digital launches offer publishers greater control and lower costs. Selling digitally removes the need for manufacturing, packaging, and shipping, while also limiting reliance on third-party retailers. Despite these cost savings, a lower price point for players is unlikely.
As with all unconfirmed reports, this information should be treated with caution until Rockstar or Take-Two Interactive makes an official announcement. Still, given the scale of GTA 6 and the fallout from past leaks, a digital-first strategy would not be surprising.
Grand Theft Auto 6 is currently confirmed for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. A PC release has not yet been announced.
