GTA 6 Physical Copies in Japan to Expire 170 Days After Launch

If you’re buying ‘physical’ copies of GTA 6 in Japan, you’d better act fast and download that code lickety-split, else it might expire while you’re not looking.

Rockstar has caused a stir by announcing that 'physical' copies of Grand Theft Auto 6 will not contain a disc but a digital download code instead, which will expire in certain regions after a set period. According to Rockstar's official website, the physical editions of GTA 6 in Japan will expire 170 days after the launch on November 19, 2026, due to 'regional regulations.'

Japan's 'Payment Services Act' mandates that companies selling prepaid payments must register, leading to the expiration of the Grand Theft Auto VI physical version download code in a box after 170 days. This law aims to protect consumers by requiring sellers of digital codes to reserve significant funds in case of company insolvency or market exit.

Despite the financial safeguard intentions, many online users are displeased with the news. Rockstar's move to provide codes instead of physical discs for GTA 6 follows Sony's decision to cease printing game discs from January 2028, sparking debates on digital ownership and the future of the gaming industry.