Rockstar Games
Rockstar Games business and news from across the web.
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Sony killing physical PlayStation games has folks so angry that its announcement has even more views than Rockstar's GTA 6 trailer posts on Twitter
Sony's announcement regarding the discontinuation of physical PlayStation games has generated significant controversy, evidenced by its announcement post on Twitter receiving more views than Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto 6 trailer posts. Despite the higher view count for Sony's announcement, the engagement in terms of likes suggests a more negative reception compared to the Grand Theft Auto 6 trailer.
It sure feels like PlayStation underestimated the backlash to ending physical games: its first post in a week has been…
Sony's decision to end support for physical PlayStation games and shut down the PS3 and PS Vita storefronts has generated significant backlash. The company's first social media post since the announcement, discussing a fight stick controller, was met with widespread criticism and demands for physical media, indicating a potential underestimation of player sentiment.
As layoffs continue to ravage the games industry, a union across North America establishes a fund to help those impacted by it
The United Videogame Workers union, in partnership with the Communications Workers of America, has launched the Game Worker Hardship Fund to assist industry professionals impacted by layoffs since January 2024. The fund offers up to $5,000 for work and life expenses, with contributions coming from union membership dues and a new itch.io charity bundle. This initiative aims to provide a lifeline to workers affected by recent industry-wide job cuts.
Lords of the Fallen 2 Studio CEO Says More Games May Go Fully Digital by 2027 or Sooner
CI Games CEO Marek Tyminski believes physical game discs could disappear by 2027 or sooner, citing Grand Theft Auto 6 potentially skipping physical releases and Sony's planned end of disc production in 2028. Tyminski argues digital sales offer significantly higher revenue per unit for developers compared to physical releases, which incur higher costs and lower margins. Industry figures like Shawn Layden and Hideo Kojima have also commented on Sony's decision, with Kojima expressing concerns about the broader implications for digital ownership and access to art.
GTA 6 shipping without discs "feels unfair to studios still backing physical," Lords of the Fallen 2 boss says, and Sony's certainly not helping
CI Games CEO Marek Tyminski expressed concern over Rockstar Games' decision to ship Grand Theft Auto 6 without physical discs and Sony's planned discontinuation of PlayStation disc production in 2028. Tyminski argues these moves are unfair to studios still supporting physical releases, citing lower revenue and higher costs compared to digital sales. He confirmed Lords of the Fallen 2 will still receive a physical disc release, but acknowledged the increasing difficulty in justifying the format.
"This is all about control" - industry experts speak on Sony's move away from discs, and what this means for the PlayStation 6 and the cost of games
Sony has announced it will cease production of physical game discs in January 2028, a move industry experts believe signals a disc-less PlayStation 6 likely launching in 2028. This decision is expected to reduce console manufacturing costs and shift the market further towards digital distribution, impacting game pricing and consumer ownership. While some see it as a necessary evolution, concerns remain about preservation and the second-hand market.
Issues and Activism
This article discusses the major controversies surrounding the Grand Theft Auto series. It delves into the various issues and debates that have arisen throughout the franchise's history, touching upon topics that have sparked public and industry discussion.
GTA Online celebrates Independence Day with conspicuous consumption and explosions
Grand Theft Auto Online is celebrating Independence Day with a week-long event featuring discounts on vehicles and patriotic purchases. Players can also get a free Firework Launcher and double rewards on Bunker Sell Missions. The event encourages players to engage in 'American' activities like purchasing large vehicles and using explosives.
Weekend PC Download Deals for July 3: Steam Summer Sale continues
The Steam Summer Sale and other PC gaming storefronts are offering numerous deals on a wide variety of titles. This includes discounts on major releases, indie games, and bundles across platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and Humble Bundle. Several retailers are participating, with prices and availability varying.
GTA 6 developer Rockstar Games accused of enabling crunch, failing to address gender pay gap, and weaponizing bonuses
Rockstar Games is facing accusations from union members regarding enabling crunch culture, failing to address the gender pay gap, and issues with bonus compensation. The union claims that employee contracts normalize crunch and that initiatives to fix pay inequity have been scrapped. A Take-Two Interactive spokesperson stated the company strives to provide world-class work environments and is open to dialogue with the union.
Game Guidance
This guide provides essential tips and information for new players starting out in Grand Theft Auto Online. It covers fundamental gameplay mechanics and early-game strategies to help beginners get established in the game world.
GTA 6's price shows gaming's $80 luxury-tier is here to stay, and I don't want to upgrade my setup…
The $80 price tag for Grand Theft Auto 6, along with a $100 Ultimate Edition, signals a new luxury tier for AAA games that may alienate consumers. While the price is considered reasonable for Grand Theft Auto 6 due to its market power, the author fears this will set a precedent for other major publishers like Electronic Arts and Sony. This trend, combined with rising console and subscription costs, could price many gamers out of the hobby, potentially leading to a negative feedback loop similar to that seen in the music and film industries.
Is GTA VI Part of the Final Push Away from Discs?
Grand Theft Auto VI's massive anticipated launch is fueling speculation about a potential shift away from physical discs in the gaming industry. While physical editions may still be released with download codes, the trend towards digital distribution and cloud-based entertainment suggests this title could be a catalyst for further change.
Rockstar workers hit back, PlayStation ditches physical discs, and chipmakers accused of price fixing - Patch Notes #59
Several significant developments have occurred in the gaming industry, including Rockstar Games facing accusations of pay inequity and crunch, Sony's PlayStation preparing to discontinue physical software production in January 2028, and major chipmakers being sued for alleged price-fixing. Additionally, Ubisoft has hired Christoph Hartmann to oversee its Tom Clancy franchises, while Krafton has agreed to pay bonuses to the Subnautica 2 developer Unknown Worlds following a legal dispute and CEO resignation. Microsoft is also reportedly testing a disc-to-digital feature for its Xbox consoles.
Rockstar Games Announces Pre-Orders for Grand Theft Auto VI
Rockstar Games, a label of Take-Two Interactive Software, has announced that pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto VI will begin on June 25, 2026. The game is set to launch on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with various editions and pre-order bonuses detailed.
Games Inbox: Giving up consoles because of PS5 going digital-only
Readers discuss Sony's potential shift to an all-digital PlayStation 5, with concerns about game ownership, pricing, and accessibility for those with poor internet. Some readers are considering switching to PC or Nintendo, while others see digital as a convenient and inevitable evolution, provided consumer rights are protected.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Studio Confirms Physical Release Will Include Disc in the Box
Halo Studios has confirmed that the physical release of Halo: Campaign Evolved will include a disc, addressing fan concerns following Rockstar Games' decision to omit discs from Grand Theft Auto 6. The game will also feature a robust Machinima mode, replacing a traditional photo mode, and will be optimized for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and handheld systems like the Steam Deck.
GTA Online Beginner’s Guide
This beginner's guide to Grand Theft Auto Online offers advice for new players on how to get started in Rockstar's multiplayer sandbox. It covers character creation, completing the tutorial, understanding in-game currencies like GTA$ and RP, and strategies for earning money and investing in businesses. The guide also recommends essential vehicles and weapons, emphasizes the importance of snacks and armor, and explains different session types and how to avoid griefers.
GTA Online Doesn’t Tell You These Things, But It Should
This guide offers tips and tricks for Grand Theft Auto Online that are not explicitly explained by Rockstar Games. It covers strategies for maximizing income through businesses and passive income streams, the importance of snacks as health packs, and the value of armored vehicles over fast cars. The article also highlights that many businesses can be managed in invite-only sessions and encourages players to utilize weekly bonuses and in-game services.
Relax, PC Gamers: We're not getting GTA 6 on November 19, but we've got, um... 'Phantom Vice Auto'…
This article humorously discusses the lack of a PC release date for Grand Theft Auto 6, contrasting it with the fictional 'Phantom Vice Auto' which is set to launch on PC the same day. The author sarcastically praises Phantom Vice Auto's simplistic features and low-quality trailer, highlighting the perceived shortcomings compared to Rockstar's standards.
