Take-Two CEO says discs don't make sense for GTA 6 as gaming goes digital

Rockstar Games’s parent company, Take Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick, has backed Sony's move to follow a digital-first approach.

Zelnick on Take-Two’ Q1 2027 earnings call addressed a range of topics ahead of the Grand Theft Auto 6 release on November 19.

Among the pressing issues, GTA 6’s digital release, instead of physical copies, remains the spotlight of investors' meetings.

When Take-Two boss was asked about Sony’s move to scrap disc production in 2028, he said, “So in certain instances, especially if it’s a big game, discs just, and note I said discs, don’t really make sense for the consumer.”

Zelnick made these remarks during Take-Two’s last earnings call before Rockstar Games’ most anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto VI, a.k.a. GTA 6.

Zelnick framed his arguments around a digital-first approach, adding, “Also, in most instances you have to register online to play anyhow.

So if you’re already connected, who cares if you download digitally?”

Backing the move announced by Sony Ent., Zelnick said, “So that’s where the world is going in our opinion and I think Sony understands that.”

Take-Two CEO Zelnick dropped a subtle hint for GTA 6 community for a possible disc version, saying, “It doesn’t mean that we won’t have physical additions now and then, I’m sure we will in the same way that there’s still vinyl in the recorded music business. But in other instances, it just wont make sense.”

Zelnick’s comments only highlight that Rockstar Games, the publisher of GTA 6, won’t offer physical discs at launch and might not even offer them in the future.

GTA 6 is slated for release on November 19, with fans receiving a download code instead of a physical copy.