Companies Should Provide Physical Discs If There Is Demand, Says Rockstar Co-Founder

Physical games should not disappear while players still want to purchase them, according to Rockstar Games co-founder and Grand Theft Auto co-creator Dan Houser.

Speaking about the industry’s gradual shift toward digital distribution, Houser argued that companies should respond to consumer demand rather than abandon discs entirely. As reported by IGN, his position is straightforward: if audiences want physical releases, publishers should provide them.

“I don’t know that I care, but if people want that, I think companies should provide it,”

The remarks will naturally interest players following GTA 6’s plan to release the game with no physical disc. However, Houser’s comments represent his personal view on physical media, not an announcement concerning Rockstar’s upcoming game.

Dan Houser Sees Value In Both Formats

Houser is clearly fond of physical media, but his stance is not simply “discs good, digital bad.” The former Rockstar executive also acknowledged that digital releases offer benefits.

I also think that, as critical as people are of digital releases, the ability to update and fix problems in games has been really useful for the quality of games.”

Lazlow Jones, former writer at Rockstar, who is currently working with Houser at Absurd Ventures, was also present at the SDCC. He added:

“We all have that sort of feeling when you get that copy, and you put the disc in the console, but I also have to say I really like being at the airport and going, ‘Oh, cool. I can download some quick games to my Steam Deck for this 12-hour flight.’

Digital games offer immediate access without requiring a store visit or delivery, while physical copies provide something tangible that players can display, lend, trade, or resell depending on the game and platform restrictions.

For collectors, the packaging itself is also part of the appeal. Maps, steelbooks, art cards, and other extras can turn a physical edition into something more memorable than another icon sitting in a console library.

Still, with game preservation and ownership becoming increasingly important concerns, publishers would be wise to pay attention.