Rockstar Games and GTA co-founder chimes in on the raging physical games debate: "If people want that, companies should provide it" - Eurogamer.net

What the report says

Eurogamer reported that Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser and longtime Rockstar writer Lazlow Jones have weighed in on the debate over physical versus digital video games while speaking to IGN at San Diego Comic-Con. The pair, who now work at Absurd Ventures, were promoting current projects including the American Caper comic series when they were asked whether they preferred games on disc or as downloads.

Houser said he was not personally strongly attached to one format, but argued that if players still want physical releases, companies ought to offer them. He also noted that digital distribution has helped developers update games and correct problems after launch, even as digital-only releases draw criticism. Lazlow said he still enjoys the ritual of buying and inserting a disc, while also appreciating the convenience of downloading games to a Steam Deck while travelling.

The discussion comes amid renewed industry attention to the future of boxed games. Eurogamer framed the exchange against Rockstar’s reported decision that Grand Theft Auto 6 will not include a disc and Sony’s stated plan to stop producing physical game discs after January 2028. Other industry figures cited by Eurogamer include Sega president Shuji Utsumi, who has said physical games remain valued at Sega, and Hideo Kojima, who expressed regret over Sony’s move.

Lazlow also connected the subject to Absurd Ventures’ work on comics, saying that making a tangible product involves a different creative process after years spent in digital media. Houser likewise expressed affection for physical media, underscoring that the issue is not only about distribution, but also ownership, collecting and how audiences experience creative work.