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Rockstar Co-Founder Says Companies Should Keep Releasing Physical Games if Players Want Them

Jul 27, 2026

Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser said physical game editions should stay available as long as players want them, even though he sees clear benefits in digital distribution, especially easier updates and fixes after launch. He said consumer demand, not industry trends, should decide whether boxed copies continue, and his comments come amid growing debate over the future of physical games.

Rockstar Co-Founder Says Companies Should Keep Releasing Physical Games if Players Want Them

Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser believes publishers should continue offering physical editions of games as long as players still want them, even as the industry increasingly shifts toward digital distribution.

Speaking with IGN during San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2026, the former Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption developer said he doesn't have a strong personal preference between physical and digital releases. However, he argued that player demand should ultimately determine whether boxed copies remain available.

"I don't know that I care, but if people want that, I think companies should provide it," Houser said. At the same time, he acknowledged one of digital distribution's biggest advantages, noting that the ability to update games and fix issues after launch has significantly improved overall game quality.

Houser's comments come as debate over physical media continues across the gaming community. Players have recently voiced concerns over the industry's transition toward digital-only releases, particularly after PlayStation confirmed it will stop producing new physical games beginning in January 2028. Rockstar has also been part of the discussion following confirmation that Grand Theft Auto 6 will launch this November without a disc version.

Also attending SDCC was Lazlow Jones, Houser's longtime Rockstar collaborator who later joined him at Absurd Ventures. Jones said he appreciates both formats, recalling the excitement of inserting a newly purchased game disc while also highlighting the convenience of downloading titles directly to a Steam Deck before a long flight.

He added that working on physical products such as comic books through Absurd Ventures has offered a different kind of creative satisfaction, allowing the team to hold a finished product in their hands. Houser briefly echoed the sentiment, adding, "I love physical media."

Houser joins a growing list of industry figures weighing in on the future of physical games. Developers including NieR creator Yoko Taro, Metal Gear Solid creator Hideo Kojima, and Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot have all shared their views as discussions around digital distribution continue.

Since leaving Rockstar, Houser has focused on Absurd Ventures, the entertainment company he founded and officially unveiled in 2023. During his SDCC appearance, he also discussed broader topics related to the games industry, including how players engage with open-world titles.