Rockstar Co-Founder Dan Houser Backs Physical Game Discs for Fans Who Want Them

Dan Houser, the co-founder of Rockstar Games and the creator of the Grand Theft Auto series, has weighed in on one of the gaming industry's most contentious debates. His message is simple: if players want physical discs, companies should keep making them.

In comments reported by 80 Level and other outlets, Houser argued that publishers must not abandon physical media entirely. His remarks arrive as major console makers like Sony and Microsoft push toward all-digital futures, and as pre-orders for the upcoming GTA 6 reportedly surge despite the controversy.

Physical vs. Digital: A Growing Divide

Sony has been phasing out disc drives in its newer PlayStation models. Microsoft has also promoted its disc-less Xbox Series S. Industry analysts predict that physical game sales could drop below 10% of the total market within a few years.

But Houser disagrees with the notion that physical is dead. He shrugged off PlayStation's disc phase-out strategy, insisting that companies should still serve what he called the "die-hard" fans who prefer owning a tangible copy. "If people want that, companies should provide it," he said, according to multiple reports.

Why Physical Still Matters

For many gamers, discs represent ownership in an era where digital licenses can be revoked. Physical copies can be resold, loaned, or collected. They also do not require a constant internet connection for installation.

Houser's stance carries weight because Rockstar Games built a massive franchise on blockbuster physical releases. The GTA series alone has sold over 400 million copies worldwide, with a significant chunk still sold on discs. His comments suggest that even as the industry moves online, there is room for both formats.

GTA 6 Pre-Orders and the Trailer 3 Speculation

The debate over physical discs has not hurt anticipation for GTA 6. According to NewsBricks, pre-orders for the game have soared, even as the physical-versus-digital argument rages. Fans are also eagerly awaiting the release of Trailer 3, rumored to drop in August.

Rockstar has not confirmed a release date or trailer schedule. But the hype is undeniable. Houser's comments, however, keep the focus on a broader industry issue: whether publishers will listen to the segment of players who still want discs.

What Other Developers Are Saying

Houser is not the only major figure questioning the all-digital push. Some indie developers have also argued that physical releases help preserve games for future generations. Digital storefronts can shut down, removing titles from existence.

But the economics of physical production—manufacturing, shipping, retail margins—make it less profitable for publishers. The industry is divided. Houser's intervention adds a high-profile voice to the side of physical media.

Watch for how Sony and Microsoft respond to this pushback. If GTA 6 ships with a massive physical release, it could slow the industry's rush toward a disc-less future.