According to Rockstar Games, download codes included in physical editions of GTA 6 for PS5 in Japan expire after just 170 days from the game's November 19, 2026 launch date. As reported by Push Square, the countdown begins on the game's release date rather than the purchase date, meaning copies bought after May 2027 will no longer be redeemable.
Rockstar attributes the restriction to "regional regulations," though the company has not detailed what those regulations entail. The decision aligns with the industry's broader shift toward digital distribution. Since 2025, PlayStation 5 has ceased releasing first-party titles on physical media in most regions, accelerating the transition to download-only models.
In Japan, the practice of bundling download codes inside physical boxes instead of discs has become standard for major releases. This approach attempts to balance consumer demand for physical products with digital distribution infrastructure, though it limits the window during which buyers can redeem their purchases.
