Some parents will soon be buying their children a game about sex and drugs for their birthday and Christmas. (VIDEO)

Some parents will soon buy their children a game about sex and drugs for birthdays and Christmas, according to reports. The upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto VI has sparked concern among families who may purchase the game as a gift, only to find that it does not come with a physical disc. Instead, buyers will receive a code for downloading the digital version of the game. This shift marks a significant change in how video games are distributed and perceived by consumers, particularly older generations unfamiliar with digital-only formats. The new edition of GTA VI, set for release later this year, will reportedly be available in a box containing a code rather than a traditional disc. According to recent information, the standard version of the game will cost around €69 (US$79.99), which is approximately nine euros more than the typical price of high-end console games. A premium version will be priced at around €86 (US$100). While the box can still serve as a gift, it will not contain the actual game itself, but instead provide access to it through a user account, specific platforms, and under certain usage conditions. This format means that the buyer does not possess the game in the traditional sense. They gain the right to access the game via a particular account, console, and digital store. If someone owns a physical disc, they can lend it to a friend, sell it through an ad, or even insert it into a console ten years later if it is still supported. However, if one possesses a code tied to a user account, the game exists within the company's system, which determines where it can be downloaded, under what conditions, and for how long it will remain available. The difference might sound technical, but it is fundamentally simple: once upon a time, players purchased copies of games, but today, increasingly, they are buying permissions to play them. This is similar to subscription-based services for video content such as Netflix, Amazon, or Disney+. Sony has taken this concept further, announcing that PlayStation will primarily be a digital platform starting in 2028, with no new games being released on Blu-ray discs. Future releases in stores could look much like the anticipated GTA VI, a box containing a code instead of a disc. Sony describes this as a natural adaptation to consumer habits, noting that the ratio of digital to physical sales on PlayStation has recently been 85 percent to 15 percent in favor of digital purchases. For gamers, this is already an old debate. For parents, however, it is a new annoyance. For many parents, the world of video games often remains just below the radar. Video games are still seen by many as something children play in their rooms, a hobby tolerated until grades begin to drop or someone mentions violence. Acceptable up to the end of high school. But this is no longer a niche or child-focused industry. According to a report by Newzoo, the global video game market surpassed $200 billion in revenue in 2025, ending the year with $201.6 billion in income. It represents an exceptional cultural and economic force, larger and more influential than several industries that parents, schools, and traditions have long understood. The transition from physical media to digital distribution raises questions about ownership, accessibility, and the future of gaming. As companies like Sony move toward digital-first models, the experience of purchasing and owning a game continues to evolve. Parents who wish to give a tangible gift may find themselves facing a dilemma: a box filled with a code rather than a game they can hold in their hands. This change reflects broader shifts in technology and consumption patterns, challenging traditional notions of possession and value in the digital age.