Rockstar Games has confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI will be available exclusively as a download code in the box, setting a worrying precedent. This move comes at a time when digital gaming continues to overshadow physical sales, with Capcom reporting that 93% of its games were sold digitally last year.

The advantages are clear: convenience and often cheaper prices, but what about the downsides? Without a physical copy, gamers face potential bans on their accounts, loss of access to certain titles, and difficulty in preserving or sharing their collections. GTA VI's massive size might necessitate this decision, but it could embolden other publishers to follow suit.

The industry is at a crossroads. Digital gaming offers convenience, but physical copies offer permanence. As Rockstar prepares for the launch, gamers are left wondering what other titles will go digital-only and how this will impact their collection strategies.