According to a report by the Polish publication PPL, Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) is set to get a more “complete” physical version later this year. While pre-orders for the game open this Thursday (25), the initial physical version hitting store shelves will only contain a digital redemption code inside the box. However, players who are willing to be a bit patient will eventually have the chance to take home an edition that actually includes a physical disc containing the game files.
The information comes from PPL, an outlet whose sources have proven to be highly reliable in the past. It claims that Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive are planned to begin distributing the disc-based physical media sometime in December of this year.
If this report proves correct, the decision to make GTA 6 strictly digital at launch may be part of a deliberate strategy to prevent early spoilers and data leaks. By releasing an actual disc version slightly later, the companies responsible aim to satisfy both game collectors and the individuals or outlets that deal in the video game resale market.
In tandem with opening pre-orders, Rockstar Games also released several screenshots of the game. A standout feature highlighted in these images is the implementation of Ray Tracing, which delivers highly realistic reflections.
While praising the showcased results, tech outlet Digital Foundry has raised questions regarding whether these graphics will actually be seen in practice during gameplay. The site notes that these visual elements might not correspond to what current-generation consoles can realistically deliver, even when taking the PS5 Pro into consideration.
“We would like to be positively surprised, of course, and we will have an answer when it launches,” Digital Foundry explained. “However, in many cases the combination of a high quality image, suggesting a native 4K rendering (or higher) and inconsistent lightings on background characters generate doubts about how much this is viable.”
Because of these limitations, Digital Foundry believes that the absolute maximum visual quality of GTA 6 will likely only be achieved on a PC version, which has not yet been officially confirmed. For this year, the title will only be available on select platforms:
Amanda Torati is a linguist and postgraduate researcher who specializes in the intersection of storytelling and interactive media. With a deep fascination for the gaming ecosystem, she focuses on deconstructing game narratives and technical trends to make them accessible to players of all levels. At ABWaves Game, Amanda combines her academic background with in-depth research to deliver reviews and guides that are both precise and engaging, ensuring readers stay informed in a fast-paced digital world.
The Elder Scrolls Online is set to undergo major changes following severe layoffs at Zenimax Online. A little over a week after Xbox announced the layoff of 3,200 people—1,600 of them with immediate effect—the consequences of the decision on its game studios are becoming clearer.
NVIDIA has revealed the list of games joining its GeForce NOW cloud catalog this week. A total of 5 new titles are being added, joining the library of over 2,200 games already available on the streaming service.
Marvel’s Wolverine, one of the most highly anticipated PlayStation 5 exclusives for the second half of 2026, received a new cinematic trailer on Thursday, July 16. The footage offers a dramatic look at the old villains and adversaries Logan is set to encounter throughout his journey.
Game Freak, the developer famously known for the Pokémon franchise, is shifting its focus to high-octane combat for its brand-new IP, Beast of Reincarnation. Departing from its traditional Nintendo-exclusive monster-catching titles, this upcoming project is a AAA action game featuring advanced graphics and a heavy emphasis on real-time combat.
The PlayStation FlexStrike arcade controller will no longer hit store shelves in August due to manufacturing complications. Originally revealed by Sony in 2025 and anticipated for an August release, the company announced on Tuesday, July 14, that it has been forced to postpone the launch indefinitely.
Although Take-Two Interactive has already set the price of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) at $80, some market analysts are openly dissatisfied with the decision. Among them is Ben Thompson, author of the Stratechery newsletter, who argues that the publisher missed a golden opportunity to charge up to $200 for what he considers "the last great game" in history.
