The world of gaming is at a crossroads, with the debate over physical versus digital game releases heating up in recent months. At the heart of this controversy are gamers, developers, and publishers alike, all with their own opinions on the matter. In a recent conversation with IGN at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2026, Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser shared his thoughts on the topic, stating that if people want physical game releases, then ‘companies should provide it.’
Houser, who co-founded Rockstar Games alongside Sam Houser and Terry Donovan, has been a driving force behind some of the gaming industry’s most iconic titles, including the Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption series. His comments on physical game releases come as gamers are increasingly vocal about the shift away from physical media. PlayStation’s recent announcement that it will cease production of new physical games starting in January 2028 has sparked widespread debate, with many fans expressing their disappointment and frustration on social media.
Rockstar Games itself has also been at the center of the controversy, with the confirmation that Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) will not ship on a disc when it launches this November. This decision has left many fans feeling disappointed and disillusioned with the shift away from physical media. In response to this, Houser emphasized the importance of providing options for gamers who prefer physical game releases.
When asked if he personally cares about physical versus digital releases, Houser replied, ‘I don’t know that I care.’ However, he quickly added, ‘if people want that, I think companies should provide it.’ This sentiment is echoed by Lazlow Jones, a former Rockstar Games developer who worked alongside Houser on several projects, including the Grand Theft Auto series. Jones, who is now a partner at Absurd Ventures, a company co-founded by Houser, shared his own thoughts on the matter during the same conversation.
‘I love physical media,’ Jones said, highlighting the unique experience of holding a physical game in one’s hands and inserting the disc into a console. He also noted the value of having a physical product that can be shared and enjoyed by others. However, Jones also acknowledged the benefits of digital game releases, citing the ease of downloading and updating games on a Steam Deck during a long flight.
Houser’s comments on physical game releases are just the latest in a series of statements from industry leaders on the topic. Nier creator Yoko Taro, Metal Gear Solid creator Hideo Kojima, and Ubisoft boss Yves Guillemot have all weighed in on the matter in recent months, sharing their own thoughts and opinions on the shift away from physical media.
As the debate over physical versus digital game releases continues to heat up, one thing is clear: gamers are demanding more options and flexibility when it comes to how they experience and enjoy their games. Whether it’s through physical media or digital downloads, the gaming industry is at a crossroads, and it’s up to developers and publishers to provide the options that gamers want.
In a separate interview, Houser discussed the impact of digital game releases on the quality of games, stating that the ability to update and fix problems in games has been ‘really useful’ for the industry. This highlights the importance of digital game releases in ensuring that games are of the highest quality and that players have access to the latest updates and patches.
