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| Jason in GTA 6. |
The anticipation for Grand Theft Auto VI isn't just high—it's arguably unprecedented in modern entertainment. As 2026 approaches, the fervor has reached a point where some fans, desperate for any early glimpse, are reportedly taking extreme and alarming measures. Amidst this climate, a new claim suggests Rockstar Games may take the drastic step of launching GTA 6 without physical discs to maintain secrecy and control.
The rumor began circulating recently, positing that the initial launch of the biggest game of 2025/2026 could be digital-only. The stated goal? To prevent catastrophic leaks that could spoil Rockstar's meticulously planned rollout. This theory gained significant weight when seasoned game developer interviewer Reece “Kiwi Talkz” Reilly stepped in, stating he strongly believes the speculation to be true.
For Reilly, the logic is rooted in scale and risk. "GTA 6 is on a completely different scale compared to GTA 5," he explained. "I believe it will be the biggest launch in entertainment history, not just gaming." With stakes that high, the potential damage from an early leak is monumental.
The rumor of GTA 6 not having a physical launch I 100% believe. GTA 6 is going to be the biggest launch in entertainment history and by a wide margin, nothing will ever come close to it. I have said this before but no studio is going to be able to match what GTA 6 will do for… pic.twitter.com/s1fiEP1WJk
— Reece “Kiwi Talkz” Reilly (@kiwitalkz) January 28, 2026
The core of the issue, according to Reilly, is the vulnerability of physical media. He identifies discs as one of the biggest security risks, citing a faction of overly dedicated fans. "There are a number of Rockstar fans who 'would 100% break into retail stores and manufacturing facilities to steal discs,'" Reilly stated. He further highlighted the insider threat, noting that employees within the supply chain could also be tempted to leak information. A digital-first or digital-only release would give Rockstar far more control over the exact moment the game goes live, effectively locking down the virtual vault until the appointed hour.
This isn't just theoretical paranoia. Reilly claims his conversations with Rockstar developers over the years have revealed shocking stories of fan attempts to infiltrate the studio itself. These alleged incidents include individuals using fake IDs to gain unauthorized access to offices and others flying drones past office windows, all in a desperate bid to capture early gameplay footage or screenshots.
These accounts paint a picture of a hype cycle that has spiraled into something more intense and, at times, concerning. While the vast majority of fans are simply excited, the actions of a few underscore the immense pressure and target on Rockstar's back. Opting for a digital launch could be seen as a necessary, if controversial, firewall against both external and internal threats.
As the gaming world holds its breath for an official release date, one thing is clear: the launch of GTA 6 isn't just another game release. It's a logistical and security operation of historic proportions, and Rockstar appears to be considering every possible angle to ensure their vision reaches the world on their own terms. Whether this means saying goodbye to day-one physical discs remains unconfirmed, but the debate highlights the extreme lengths surrounding the most anticipated game of the generation.