Rockstar Co-Founder Discusses Physical Game Releases and Player

Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser believes that, if players want their games released on physical media, then 'companies should provide it.'

During a conversation with IGN at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2026, Dan Houser, the co-founder of Rockstar Games, shared his thoughts on the importance of physical game releases. While he personally may not have a strong preference between physical and digital formats, he emphasized the need for companies to cater to player preferences. Houser highlighted the benefits of digital releases in terms of updating and fixing game issues, acknowledging the positive impact on game quality.

The discussion around physical versus digital media has been amplified recently, with players expressing their opinions on social media. PlayStation's decision to halt production of new physical games from January 2028 has sparked conversations within the gaming community. Additionally, the confirmation that GTA 6 will not have a physical disc release has stirred reactions among Grand Theft Auto fans.

Other industry figures, such as Lazlow Jones and developers like Yoko Taro, Hideo Kojima, and Yves Guillemot, have also shared their perspectives on the evolving landscape of physical media in gaming. Houser, who is now involved with Absurd Ventures, a company he established in 2023, continues to engage with industry discussions and trends.