Once upon a time, video games came with physical goodies. Now, they come with just digital codes.

In the case of Grand Theft Auto 6, game enthusiasts were told to get ready for a box containing nothing but a download code – no disc in sight. This isn’t the first time Rockstar has done this, but it raises questions about where gaming is headed and how much control publishers have over our collections.

For some gamers, physical discs are more than just storage; they’re a way to lend or sell games later. Others, like Alogirlx from Canada, are already digital-first, unaffected by the lack of a disc.

The absence of a disc is seen as another step away from buying products and towards buying access controlled by publishers. Ross Scott from Stop Killing Games highlights this trend: 'The industry has a very poor reputation for disabling games once supported.'

Rockstar might have its reasons, such as data leaks or ensuring players get the latest version. But whether it’s about convenience or cash, GTA 6 is a sign of things to come in gaming.