Pre-orders for the next instalment in the "Grand Theft Auto" series went live on Thursday after more than a decade of waiting, but to the disappointment of many fans, "GTA VI" is only arriving as a digital download.
Physical discs are preferred by many gamers over digital download codes since they mean actual ownership of the game. Meanwhile download-only versions can't be shared with or sold to other players.
Players and gaming industry commentators have criticized that the game will be available only digitally, at least for now. Even buyers who purchase a boxed copy will find only a download code inside.
Rockstar is promoting digital downloads as an advantage over physical discs: "Players who pre-order digital versions of Grand Theft Auto VI will be able to begin pre-loading on November 12 to ensure they are able to play at launch."
However, many fans on social media are not convinced, saying Rockstar's move is about stopping gamers from selling on their game at reduced prices once they have played it through.
"This is purely to stop second-hand sales to control the price of the game more," one user commented on Reddit. "By taking away your leverage, you’re locked into paying whatever Rockstar and storefront owners deem is worthy," entertainment website IGN commented.
At prices of $80 for the standard edition and $100 for the premium edition, the cult game series is also setting a new benchmark for premium game pricing by pushing the price tag above the $70 that has typically been asked for recent top-tier games.
"GTA VI" will initially be released exclusively for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles. PC gamers will have to wait longer. An online multiplayer version of the game is expected to launch later - not included in the original price.
The action game is set to launch on November 19 after multiple delays, and the level of interest from potential buyers already suggests it could become one of the most successful titles in gaming history.
Fans have had a long wait: the previous title in the series was released in 2013.
With an estimated budget of well over $1 billion, "GTA VI" is set to become the most expensive entertainment product in history. Its predecessor has sold more than 200 million copies since 2013.
"Grand Theft Auto" is one of the best-known video game series in the world and was first released in 1997. "Grand Theft Auto VI" is set in a fictional version of the US city of Miami. Trailers released so far feature high-speed car chases, fast motorboats, beaches, weapons and crocodiles.
