Rockstar Games has made a move in the final stretch leading up to the release of Grand Theft Auto VI. While the main focus remains on the game itself, the company has unveiled a collector's edition that has generated considerable buzz: Grand Theft Auto VI: The Goodtime State – Vice City Collection , a premium box packed with merchandise inspired by Leonida, Vice City, and Macca the alligator. The most striking detail, however, isn't what's included, but what's missing: the game is sold separately.
The bundle is now available for pre-order on the official Rockstar store and is priced at €399,99 for Spain and the rest of Europe. Shipping is not included in this price and is the responsibility of the buyer, a fact that has been met with mixed reactions from some members of the community. The game's release date remains November 19th , with versions for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
A €400 box that doesn't include the game
Rockstar's offering is very similar to what you'd typically see in big-budget collector's editions, but with one key difference: it doesn't include a copy of GTA 6. The product listing explicitly states this and requires you to add the cost of the game if you want to play it. The standard and Ultimate digital versions have been priced around €80 and €100 , respectively, depending on the edition chosen, so the total cost can be quite high.
The decision to sell the game separately has sparked criticism on social media. Many users believe that a €399,99 bundle should at least include the base version of the title, especially since shipping is also extra.
Everything included in the Vice City Collection
The box's contents are heavily focused on the imagery of Leonida and Macca the alligator. Confirmed items include a Macca figurine , Oakley Frogskins sunglasses, a Leonida Cays fanny pack, and a New Era 9FORTY adjustable cap.
- Figure of Macca, the alligator.
- Oakley Frogskins sunglasses.
- Fanny pack from the Leonida Keys.
- New Era 9FORTY Adjustable Cap.
- Macca's magnetic mirror, the alligator.
- Chunkee's shot glass, the manatee.
- Vice City collectible cocktail spoon.
- Vice City knife keychain.
- Enameled pins of the Leonida Keys in a metal tin.
- Stickers of the Leonida Keys in a small bag.
- Double-sided souvenir poster with the map of Leonidas.
In addition to those items, the pack includes a double-sided poster showing the map of Leonida. Rockstar hasn't yet revealed the full map, so this detail has fueled all sorts of speculation about the geography of the fictional state inspired by Florida.
Leonida's map and the mystery of Vice City
The collector's edition has confirmed that the map of Leonida will play a significant role in the merchandising, although the company continues to play coy. The promotional images don't show the entire territory, maintaining the intrigue about how its zones will be distributed. However, the poster makes it clear that the adventure will take place in urban areas, cays, and natural regions.
Vice City will once again be the main showcase for GTA 6, with its Miami-esque atmosphere recreated through art deco hotels, beaches, and vibrant neighborhoods. In contrast, the areas far from the city offer a wilder, more rugged landscape, featuring alligators, mangroves, and small tourist resorts . Rockstar's intention seems to be to offer a more varied open world than in previous installments.
No physical disc, but with vinyl.
Another point of contention is that GTA 6 will not have a conventional physical edition with a disc. Those who buy the game digitally will be able to choose between the standard edition or the Ultimate Edition , while physical stores will offer a disc-less box, designed for collectors but without the traditional media. In other words, the merchandise takes up shelf space, but the game itself isn't available on Blu-ray.
The irony is that Rockstar has announced complementary physical products. The official soundtrack, Grand Theft Auto VI: The Album , will be available on vinyl and CD, a move that has surprised those expecting a physical edition of the game itself. This mix of formats has further fueled discussions about the company's business strategy.
Launch, reservations and anticipation
With just weeks to go before its release, GTA 6 is breaking pre-order records on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S . The date circled in red is November 19th, and it's expected to be one of the biggest launches of the decade. The merchandise collection, the soundtrack, and the absence of a physical disc are all part of a campaign that has certainly made waves.
Initial impressions of the game have highlighted its open-world ambitions, environmental interaction, and the relationship between Jason and Lucia. Rockstar has also been releasing details about Leonida through official materials, interviews, and articles, though many key elements remain under wraps. Expectations are enormous , but so is the scrutiny surrounding every decision the company makes.
The truth is that GTA 6 is approaching its final stretch amidst a mix of hype and controversy. The €399,99 collector's edition offers a generous amount of merchandise, but doesn't include the game or shipping, which has upset some fans. At the same time, the November 19th release date for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, the absence of a physical disc, and the focus on products like the soundtrack vinyl record paint an unusual marketing strategy. It remains to be seen how the community will respond when the game finally hits stores.
