Kosma Złotowski, a Polish MEP from the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group, has raised concerns with the European Commission about the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto VI, arguing that its physical edition—which contains no game disc but only a download code—may mislead consumers and undermine their rights to resell legally purchased copies.
In a written parliamentary question dated 25 June 2026, Złotowski noted that the physical edition, priced at EUR 79.99, would effectively function as a digital edition because the code is single-use, non-transferable, and requires online download. He asked the Commission whether it is aware of such practices and whether it considers them compatible with EU consumer protection law. He also inquired what legal instruments exist to address situations where a product marketed as physical is in practice digital.
The question targets the growing industry trend of selling boxed products that contain only a download code, which prevents secondary sales—a key feature of traditional disc-based games. If the Commission finds this practice problematic, it could trigger regulatory scrutiny or guidance affecting video game publishers like Rockstar Games, as well as retailers and consumers across the EU. The Commission typically has six weeks to respond, and its answer will signal its stance on digital ownership and consumer rights in the gaming sector.