Players interested in major AAA releases such as Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA VI) remain divided over how they want to purchase their games, according to a new survey from G2A.COM.
The survey of more than 2,000 G2A.COM marketplace users found that 38% would prefer to purchase a major release such as GTA VI as a digital download, while 37% would choose a physical disc. The remaining 25% either had no preference or did not plan to purchase the game.
The findings suggest that the debate between physical and digital games is not necessarily about one format replacing the other. Instead, players continue to value having different options and the ability to decide how they purchase and access their games.
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GTA VI Buyers Remain Split Between Digital and Physical
Despite the continued growth of digital game distribution, physical releases remain relevant to a significant portion of players.
G2A.COM's research found that digital downloads held only a one-percentage-point lead over physical discs among respondents asked about purchasing a major AAA release such as GTA VI. The results highlight how individual preferences continue to influence purchasing decisions.
The survey also found that 47% of respondents would be less likely to purchase a full-priced AAA game at launch if only one purchasing format were available.
For players, the format itself can affect the perceived value of a game. Physical releases can offer options that are not available with digital purchases, while digital games provide immediate access without requiring a physical disc.
Resale and Collectability Still Matter
The ability to control what happens to a game after purchase was another important factor identified by the survey.
According to G2A.COM, 69% of respondents said the ability to resell, trade or lend games could influence their decision when buying full-priced titles. This gives physical games an advantage for players who value the ability to transfer or sell their purchases.
Physical editions can also provide additional items that appeal to collectors. Some 59% of respondents said features such as steelbooks or art books could influence their purchasing decision.
The results indicate that physical games can hold value beyond simply providing access to the game itself, particularly for players interested in collecting physical editions.
Players Are Still Concerned About Game Preservation
The future of physical media also remains connected to concerns around game preservation.
G2A.COM found that 77% of respondents expressed some level of concern about long-term game preservation as the industry becomes increasingly digital. Of those surveyed, 58% described themselves as very concerned.
At the same time, 34% believe physical games will become primarily a niche collector proposition within the next five years. Another 23% expect physical discs to be nearly phased out for new releases.
The results suggest that players recognize the industry's move toward digital distribution while still having concerns about what increased reliance on digital platforms could mean for access to games over the long term.
Digital-First Players Still Want Options
The survey is particularly notable because 70% of respondents primarily play games on PC, a platform where digital distribution has been the standard for many years.
G2A.COM argues that being a digital-first consumer does not necessarily mean players want fewer purchasing options. Instead, consumers who are accustomed to digital commerce may expect greater flexibility around how they discover, purchase and access entertainment.
This extends beyond the format of a game. Price, payment methods, accessibility and availability can all contribute to how consumers decide whether a major release represents good value.
GTA VI Interest Continues to Grow
The survey comes as anticipation for GTA VI continues to build across the gaming industry.
G2A.COM previously reported that traffic to GTA VI-related pages on its marketplace increased 65-fold during a major surge in interest in June. July continued to account for a significant portion of that interest, representing 48% of all GTA VI-related traffic recorded on the marketplace between January and July.
GTA VI also became G2A.COM's most wish-listed game in 45 countries, demonstrating the international interest surrounding Rockstar Games' upcoming release.
However, the survey suggests that anticipation for GTA VI does not necessarily remove the practical considerations players make when purchasing a game. Price, flexibility, ownership and purchasing options remain important even for one of the most anticipated games of the decade.
Katarzyna Jakubiec, Chief Business Officer at G2A.COM, said the findings show that the games market is moving into a phase where convenience is no longer the only priority for consumers.
“GTA VI shows that the games market is entering a new phase of digital maturity. For players, speed and convenience are no longer the only priorities – they also want the freedom to choose and greater control over how they access and use the content they buy,” Jakubiec said.
She added that digital formats offer immediacy and accessibility, while physical editions can provide value through collectability and resale.
The research ultimately points toward a gaming market in which digital and physical formats can continue to coexist, with consumers choosing between them based on their individual preferences.
For GTA VI, that means the game's enormous level of anticipation may not result in a single purchasing preference. Instead, players appear to want the flexibility to decide which format and purchasing option best suits them.
