Grand Theft Auto VI will only have a code-in-a-box physical release, with its download code expiring 170 days after the game’s launch in Japan due to regional regulations. The expiration is tied to November 19, 2026, meaning codes could become unusable on May 8, 2027, and applies solely to Japan; Xbox codes are not region-locked, while PlayStation codes require a Japan-based account. The policy appears grounded in Japan’s regulatory framework around prepaid instruments and six-month validity, though Rockstar does not name a specific law. Critics argue this complicates physical ownership and preservation, highlighting a broader concern about future code-in-a-box releases. Sony and retailers have signaled a shift away from discs, with this setup underscoring a unique regional wrinkle for Japanese customers. The situation underscores ongoing tensions between digital-first releases and traditional physical media in some markets.