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GTA 6 Physical Copies Face a Surprising Catch in Japan

Local Japanese laws are creating a unique problem for physical GTA 6 buyers at release.

A colorful illustration featuring multiple characters and vehicles from Grand Theft Auto VI, including a helicopter, a speedboat, and a luxury car. The prominent logo for Grand Theft Auto VI is in the center, with a cityscape background.
A colorful illustration featuring multiple characters and vehicles from Grand Theft Auto VI, including a helicopter, a speedboat, and a luxury car. The prominent logo for Grand Theft Auto VI is in the center, with a cityscape background.
alexa author
By Alexandria LopezStaff Writer

  • Primary Subject: Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6)
  • Key Update: Rockstar confirmed physical copies of GTA 6 in Japan feature digital redeem codes that expire 170 days post-launch due to local laws.
  • Status: Confirmed
  • Last Verified: July 28, 2026
  • Quick Answer: Physical GTA 6 copies in Japan contain digital redeem codes expiring 170 days after release to comply with Japan's Payment Services Act regulations.

Back when Rockstar Games announced that physical copies for GTA 6 would actually be a box with a code to redeem the digital version, people were rightfully upset.

Well, it seems to be worse for people who plan to buy the physical copy of the game in Japan. It was recently revealed that the codes will expire after a certain time period. This begs the question: what will happen once the codes expire?

Here's everything we know about the situation.

GTA 6 Physical Copies Will Expire After 170 Days in Japan

As revealed by Power Unlimited columnist Genki, physical copies of GTA 6 in Japan will expire 170 days after launch on November 19, 2026. This is due to regional regulation - specifically, Japan's Payment Services Act.

Update on the expiration of a Grand Theft Auto VI physical version download code in Japan, which will expire after 170 days due to regulations. The reason is linked to the "Payment Services Act" requiring companies to register and clear financial deposits. Companies are exempt if the unused balance is less than six months.
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Credit: Genki_JPN on X

Rockstar Games confirmed this information through the FAQ section on their official website.

The law in question aims to protect consumers from getting scammed. Studios that use digital codes are usually required to set aside a large amount of money just in case the company decides to disappear from the market. If companies refuse to hand over the money to the government, then the product will need to expire in less than six months.

GTA 6
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Credit: Rockstar Games

READ MORE: Retailers Boycott GTA 6 Over Rockstar’s Discless Physical Copy

This means that stores selling physical copies in Japan will need to refresh their stock regularly so that people don't buy out-of-date codes. Either that, or they stop selling physical copies after 170 days.

GTA 6 is scheduled to launch on Thursday, November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. A PC version hasn't been announced, but it's expected to come out sometime after the consoles' releases.

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