With Grand Theft Auto 6 confirmed to launch without a traditional physical disc release, the industry-wide debate regarding digital-only media has intensified. Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser, who departed the studio after working on titles like GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2 recently weighed in on the shift during an interview at San Diego Comic-Con 2026.

Quick Facts

  • Grand Theft Auto 6 is confirmed to ship without a physical disc version.
  • Sony plans to halt physical disc production for new PlayStation titles starting in 2028.
  • Dan Houser and former Rockstar veteran Lazlow Jones currently lead Absurd Ventures.

When asked about the move away from physical media, Houser expressed a neutral stance. "I don't know that I care, but if people want that, I think companies should provide it," he noted. "But I don't know that I personally care."

Houser acknowledged that while players are often critical of digital-only models, the transition offers technical advantages for developers. He noted that the ability to issue updates and address technical issues post-launch has been "really useful for the quality of games."

The Industry Shift Toward Digital

The conversation around the viability of physical media follows Sony’s announcement that it will end disc production for new software by 2028, citing a significant consumer preference for digital alternatives. This shift has raised concerns regarding the long-term ownership of games, particularly as players lose the ability to lend, borrow, or resell titles. Recent service outages on the PlayStation Network, which left some users unable to access their digital libraries, have underscored the risks associated with an all-digital infrastructure.

Lazlow Jones, who is now working alongside Houser at Absurd Ventures, offered a mixed perspective on the matter. While he admitted to a fondness for the tangible experience of inserting a disc into a console, he also highlighted the convenience of digital media for travel. "I really like being at the airport and going, 'Oh, cool. I can download some quick games to my Steam Deck for this 12-hour flight,'" Jones said.

Despite his pragmatic view on digital updates, Houser remains an advocate for physical goods in other creative mediums. Regarding his current work at Absurd Ventures, which includes a new open-world game and comic book projects, Houser remarked, "I love physical media," noting the fulfillment of producing a tangible product.