- Rockstar says GTA 6 physical edition code will expire in Japan after 170 days.
- Due to regional regulations, the old stock will be left to rot after the expiration date.
- Many gamers are upset about this expiration, as the issue further cements the importance of discs.
The debate over physical vs. digital games has persisted ever since Rockstar confirmed that the GTA 6 boxed edition will only include a digital code. Gamers fear that having a disc is the only way to own a tangible product instead of a mere license.
The argument is now more relevant than ever as a resurfaced detail reveals that the GTA 6 physical edition code won’t be valid indefinitely everywhere. The code will expire in Japan after 170 days due to certain regional regulations, creating challenges for local consumers.
Why it matters: GTA 6 digital codes having an expiration date in Japan have upset many gamers, with fans asking Rockstar for a lasting disc version instead.
This tidbit is mentioned in a Rockstar Support article for GTA 6, confirming that the boxed edition code in Japan will expire for PS5 players. This issue doesn’t seem to affect Xbox users, as codes purchased for the console are not region-locked.
GTA 6 packages on Japanese store shelves would end up expiring, but Rockstar Games may replace them with new copies.
Unfortunately, gamers who for some reason don’t redeem the code within 170 days after buying a physical edition would end up with an expired product regardless.
Twitter user @Suzune_wiz explains that Rockstar is facing this restriction because it refused to pay the issuance guarantee fund to the Japanese government, unlike other gaming and tech giants like Nintendo.
Regardless, many gamers online are upset at Rockstar for not launching GTA 6 with a disc, and this dilemma has further fanned those flames. It sounds ridiculous that digital codes can expire or rot like physical products over time, after all.
There are also fears that other countries could adopt similar laws as gaming moves towards an all-digital future over the years.
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Shameer Sarfaraz has previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, he loves to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games. Besides his passion for breaking news stories, Shahmeer loves spending his leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited his articles.
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