CI Games Boss Says GTA VI Shipping Without A Disc ‘Feels Unfair To Studios Still Backing Physical’

CI Games CEO Marek Tyminski has stated in a post on X that he feels the decision to ship Grand Theft Auto VI without a disc is “unfair” to the companies out there that still support physical media.

In case you missed it, Rockstar Games’ upcoming crime epic will launch as as digital-only title this November; even the physical version of the game doesn’t include a disc, but rather a download code instead. Right now, there’s no word on when — or indeed, if — GTA VI will be available on disc at a later date.

“GTA 6 shipping with no disc feels unfair to studios still backing physical – and it’s accelerating the shift,” he said. Tyminski also touched base on Sony’s bombshell decision to cease production of physical game discs in January 2028. He added that CI Games’ upcoming Lords of the Fallen 2 will feature a disc version of the game.

Sony ending physical support from 2028 could slash disc releases as early as 2027 or even sooner. Physical delivers far less revenue per unit to developers, longer lead times, and unnecessary costs in a demanding industry where many already lose money. We’re still planning to release Lords of the Fallen 2 on disc, but business-wise, it’s getting harder to justify when physical is way under 20% of sales, and considering recent events.

Sony announced plans to cease production of physical game discs last week, prompting widespread criticism online. Shawn Layden, the former chairman of Sony’s Worldwide Studios outfit, also reacted to the news by stating that while he doesn’t “necessarily agree with it,” he doesn’t work in the business anymore.

Meanwhile, various companies also expressed their disappointment at the news of Sony’s digital-only future including iam8bit, while analyst firm Ampere believes that decision to abandon physical media “almost certainly guarantees” that PS6 will launch in 2028.

Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled for release on November 19, 2026 for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, while Lords of the Fallen II is in development for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S and has yet to attract a concrete release date.

[Source – Marek Tyminski via GamesRadar]