Grand Theft Auto 6 Physical Release May Be Delayed to Prevent Leaks, Report Claims

In September 2022, a massive leak exposed over an hour of early GTA 6 development footage, confirming its Vice City setting and dual protagonists.

Rockstar Games is considering delaying the Grand Theft Auto 6 physical release to prevent leaks, according to a new report. The claim, first published by Polish site PPE.pl and highlighted by Videogameschronicle.com, suggests the developer may launch the digital version first, with discs arriving weeks or even months later. Such a move would be a significant shift in strategy for one of the most anticipated games ever made, aimed at controlling the narrative around its launch.

A History of High-Profile Leaks

The motivation behind the potential delay is Rockstar's long-running battle with unauthorised information breaches. The company has been a frequent target of leaks, which have disrupted major announcements. In September 2022, a massive leak exposed over an hour of early GTA 6 development footage, confirming its Vice City setting and dual protagonists.

More recently, the game's debut trailer was leaked online in low quality a day ahead of its scheduled premiere in December 2023, forcing Rockstar to release the official version early. This pattern extends to other titles, including Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, which also saw extensive footage leaked before its release. For a company like publisher Take-Two, preventing story spoilers from early retail copies is a top priority.

What the Report Claims about the Grand Theft Auto 6 Physical Release

The report from PPE.pl cites an insider named Graczdari, who allegedly handles physical game sales in Europe. According to their source, “We’re hearing more and more that the physical version won’t be released simultaneously with the digital version to prevent leaks.”

However, the potential timeline is unclear. “We’re getting conflicting reports – some say the physical version will arrive three to four weeks after the digital release, while others say it won’t happen until early 2027,” the source added. This wide window suggests that if plans are being discussed, they are far from finalised. The game is currently navigating a series of delays, with its release window set for late 2026.

Rockstar Games and its parent company, Take-Two, have not commented on the report. Until an official announcement is made, any information regarding the game's release strategy should be treated as speculation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Grand Theft Auto 6 have a physical release?

A physical release for Grand Theft Auto 6 is expected, but a new report suggests it may be delayed. To prevent leaks, Rockstar Games may release the physical version weeks or even months after the digital version becomes available in late 2026. This has not been officially confirmed.

Why might GTA 6's physical release be delayed?

The reported delay is a strategy to prevent leaks and spoilers. Rockstar Games has experienced significant leaks in the past, including development footage and the debut trailer for GTA 6. By controlling the release of physical copies, the company can better protect story details before the official launch.

Has Rockstar confirmed the GTA 6 physical release delay?

No, Rockstar Games and its parent company Take-Two have not confirmed any delay for the physical version of GTA 6. The information comes from an unconfirmed report citing an industry insider. Currently, it should be treated as a rumour.

What is the official release date for GTA 6?

Rockstar Games has announced that Grand Theft Auto 6 is scheduled to be released in late 2026 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. A specific day has not been confirmed, and there is no information yet on a potential PC version.