GTA 6 PS5 marketing removed amid protests over PlayStation ending physical games
Sony has scaled back marketing for GTA 6 on the PS5, leading to speculation that the move is a response to public backlash over the company's decision to phase out physical game discs. While some fans link the two, the reduction in advertising is likely part of a planned multi-phase promotional campaign.
Why it matters
This reflects the growing tension between gaming companies pushing for digital-only ecosystems and a consumer base that values physical media ownership.
ⓘ Rockstar Games, Sony GTA 6 logo shown with PlayStation app icon When GTA 6 pre-orders began, Sony promoted the game like a PS5 exclusive. As PlayStation encountered protests for abandoning physical discs, many advertisements disappeared. While some fans think Rockstar wants to avoid bad press, the marketing partnership is unlikely to be in any danger. Adam Corsetti , Published 07/04/2026 Console Gaming 4 Reviews exclude selected types exclude selected tags Rockstar's pre-order marketing prioritized the GTA 6 PS5 version . Meanwhile, Sony plastered its channels with related artwork. However, a week later, many of those graphics vanished. Some gamers speculated that as PlayStation faces outrage over ending physical disc support , the studio instructed its partner to remove the ads.
The author presents the fan theory but provides a more grounded, logical explanation for the marketing shift.
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