Rockstar Co-Founder And GTA Co-Creator On Physical Games: Companies Should Provide It If People Want It
Dan Houser, Rockstar Games co-founder and Grand Theft Auto co-creator, shared his perspective on the ongoing debate surrounding physical games following Sony’s 2028 deadline for discontinuing disc support. While expressing personal indifference to the format, Houser advocated for consumer choice, stating that “if people want that, I think companies should provide it.”
Houser highlighted key advantages of digital distribution, particularly the ability to continuously update and fix games post-launch. He credited this capability with significantly improving overall game quality—a benefit that physical media cannot replicate in real-time.
Currently serving as founder of Absurd Ventures alongside former Rockstar veteran Lazlow Jones, Houser departed from Rockstar Games in 2020. His brother Sam Houser continues leading the studio as it prepares for Grand Theft Auto 6’s November release. Houser’s remarks reflect broader industry conversations about the transition from physical to digital distribution, balancing game preservation concerns against the practical benefits of digital platforms.