Despite low broadband speeds, may people still using dialup, download caps and limited hard drive space, market research company Newzoo has made a rather unusual prediction: Grand Theft Auto V will be released as a digital-only product.
Newzoo’s report states:
There are a lot of reasons why publishers are pushing towards digital distribution of triple-A games. Speaking out loud might harm the relationship with retail partners, but the benefits have become too large to remain silent about the desire to go completely digital.
The ultimate objective being to launch games faster, create continuous revenues on a title and simply to make more money. Will retail disappear from the picture? Of course not. Retail will always remain an important channel to promote and distribute games. Retail has a strong hand to play when it comes to eyeballs and… boxes make a nice gift.
Continuing:
Boxed games will not disappear, but what is in the box will. That is why the boxed GTA V version will contain a collectible piece of merchandise and a download code. No disc.
We will probably find out in less than four hours, when the GTA V trailer officially debuts, but we’d be incredibly shocked if the game, which will be at least 8GB (but likely more) ends up being a download only product.
What do you think? Make your predictions in the comments below.
