A September 2026 consumer survey published by G2A.COM reveals that 38% of players prefer digital downloads and 37% favor physical discs when purchasing major AAA releases like Grand Theft Auto VI. According to the digital marketplace, the research indicates that modern gamers prioritize flexibility, individual choice, and alternative purchasing formats just as much as the delivery medium itself.
Format Preferences and Consumer Choice for GTA VI
The survey of more than 2,000 marketplace users demonstrates a nearly even split between digital and physical format preferences for upcoming blockbuster titles. Beyond the 38% selecting digital downloads and 37% choosing physical discs, the remaining 25% of respondents expressed no preference or indicated they did not plan to buy Grand Theft Auto VI, according to G2A.COM data reported by Yahoo Finance UK. G2A.COM notes that rather than reflecting a direct conflict between physical and digital mediums, the figures highlight a wider consumer demand for entertainment platforms to adapt to individual habits.
Despite surveying a user base where 70% primarily play on PC—an ecosystem dominated by digital distribution—the research shows that optionality remains paramount. 47% of participants stated they would be less likely to buy a full-priced AAA game at launch if retailers restricted them to a single purchasing format.
Ownership, Collectability, and Game Preservation Concerns
The marketplace study highlights several secondary factors that heavily influence modern purchasing decisions. 69% of players reported that the ability to resell, trade, or lend games impacts their willingness to buy full-priced titles. Additionally, 59% of respondents stated that physical collector additions, such as custom art books or steel books, add distinct value to their purchases.
Long-term availability also remains a significant worry among digital-first consumers. The survey found that 77% of participants feel concerned about long-term game preservation in an increasingly digital market, with 58% explicitly describing themselves as very concerned. Meanwhile, market expectations continue to shift: 34% of respondents anticipate that physical games will transition into a niche collector-focused market within five years, and 23% predict physical discs will be nearly eliminated for new releases.
Global Anticipation and Marketplace Traffic
These consumer sentiments coincide with global demand for Grand Theft Auto VI across the G2A.COM platform. Furthermore, GTA VI secured the position of the most wishlisted game on G2A.COM across 45 countries, underscoring the scale of consumer anticipation leading up to launch.
