GTA 6 download codes in Japan expire 170 days after launch

Rockstar Games has confirmed that physical copies of Grand Theft Auto 6 in Japan will include download codes that expire just 170 days after the game's launch. This means that players who purchase a physical edition in Japan must redeem the code by that deadline or lose access to the game entirely. The expiration policy applies specifically to the Japanese market, where the physical version will contain a code to download the game rather than a disc, due to the game's large file size.

The decision affects Japanese gamers who prefer physical media, as they will face a strict time limit to activate their copy. This is unusual for console games, which typically offer permanent access once purchased. The move has sparked outrage among fans, with many criticizing the practice as anti-consumer. The expiration date is tied to the game's launch, meaning codes will become invalid roughly five and a half months after release.

Rockstar has not yet announced whether similar expiration policies will apply in other regions. The game's massive file size has been cited as the reason for the digital-only approach in Japan, where physical discs are being scrapped. This development has led to widespread backlash, with some calling it a troubling precedent for the industry. The exact launch date for GTA 6 has not been confirmed, but the expiration window will begin counting down from that day.