Take-Two CEO Explains Why 'GTA 6' Won't Have a Disc Release

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick explained the decision for GTA 6 not to have a physical disc. During a session with analysts following the release of the company’s financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2027, the executive said the market has already become essentially digital and that disc media “doesn’t make much sense for consumers.”

"Our business is well over 90% digitally distributed, as it's already a digital business. So, in certain instances, especially if it's a big game, discs—and note I said discs—don't really make sense for the consumer."

The executive also pointed out that the need for an internet connection has made the difference between physical and digital versions practically irrelevant for most players. “Also, in most instances you have to register online to play anyhow. So if you're already connected, who cares if you download digitally? It's all the same and it's much more convenient,” he said.

According to Zelnick, the industry is naturally moving toward abandoning physical media as the standard, even though it will not disappear completely. “So that's where the world is going in our opinion, and I think Sony understands that. We certainly understand that” he concluded.

The statement came after a question about Sony’s recent strategy to end production of physical discs for PlayStation games starting in 2028. Although he avoided taking a direct position on the manufacturer’s decision, Zelnick made it clear that, in the case of GTA 6, a disc version does not make sense given how consumers currently access games.

It’s worth remembering that last week, Sony finally addressed its strategy to discontinue PlayStation discs and said it is not expected to reverse course.