Take-Two Interactive has confirmed that over 90% of its business now comes from digital distribution, signaling a significant shift in the video game industry’s approach to game sales. This transition away from physical media was highlighted during the company’s recent earnings call, where CEO Strauss Zelnick described Take-Two as “already a digital business.”
The trend toward digital platforms has been gaining momentum across the industry, with other major publishers such as Capcom and Sega also emphasizing the growing dominance of digital sales. For many gamers, digital storefronts have become the preferred method of buying games, relegating physical copies primarily to collectors and those who value owning tangible boxed editions.
GTA 6 and the New Digital Norm
This shift is particularly evident in the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6. Unlike traditional game launches that rely on physical discs, the physical version of GTA 6 is expected to be distributed as a “code in a box.” This means that instead of a disc, the package will contain a download code, reflecting the practical realities of modern gaming.
In discussions with IGN, Strauss Zelnick explained that the move to a code-based physical edition is driven largely by the need to accommodate the increasingly large file sizes of contemporary games, which often require substantial downloads even after installation. This approach streamlines the distribution process and aligns with the broader industry trend toward digital-first sales.