According to analysts "Newzoo" GTA V will be a download only release.
"The upcoming boxed Grand Theft Auto V will contain a collectible and a download code. No disc. That is what I think. Or will we need to wait until GTA VI? What does fresh market data tell us about the current publishers’ push to go digital?
There are a lot of reasons why publishers are pushing towards digital distribution of triple A games. Speaking out loud might harm the relationship with retail partners, but the benefits have become too large to remain silent about the desire to go completely digital. The ultimate objective being to launch games faster, create continuous revenues on a title and simply to make more money. Will retail disappear from the picture? Of course not. Retail will always remain an important channel to promote and distribute games. Retail has a strong hand to play when it comes to eyeballs and… boxes make a nice gift. Boxed games will not disappear, but what is in the box will. That is why the boxed GTA V version will contain a collectible piece of merchandise and a download code. No disc."
We think it will be this way for three reasons:
1. Free-Riders: Only 44% of US console gamers ever spends money on Console Games.
"snip" Click the link at the bottom for an explaination of all 3 reasons.
2. Pre-owned: 23% of console and boxed PC/Mac games budget goes to pre-owned trading
3. DLC: Americans will spend $950 million in 2011 on game and add-on content downloads
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