In Japan, download codes for GTA 6 will become invalid 170 days following the game's release

In Japan, download codes for Grand Theft Auto 6 will become invalid on May 8, 2027. These codes are set to expire 170 days after its official release on November 19, 2026, owing to local "regional regulations", as mentioned on Rockstar's support page.

The regulations are grounded in Japan's Payment Services Act, administrated by the Financial Services Agency of Japan (JFSA). To comply, sellers of digital codes must reserve funds to cover potential refunds if a company discontinues operations. Notably, this rule is waived for products that expire within six months, as reported by IGN.

Rockstar revealed in June that instead of discs, physical copies of GTA 6 will contain a download code. This comes ahead of Sony's announcement to halt the production of physical discs for new PlayStation games beginning January 2028, citing a "shift in consumer preference" towards digital formats within the entertainment sector.

Despite the move to digital, Sony assured developers and publishers that current PlayStation discs could be reordered even after physical production ceases, as clarified by the company in their statement to GamesIndustry.biz.

Dan Houser, the co-founder of Rockstar, expressed his views on this issue, suggesting that companies should still meet consumer desires for physical game releases. He also highlighted the advantages digital platforms provide, like the enhanced ability to update and rectify game issues, which ultimately boosts game quality.