What happened
GamesRadar+, a gaming media outlet, recently received physical copies of GTA 6 and decided to test a reported method of stealing game codes using a flashlight trick. According to the publication, some players are concerned that their codes may be stolen by shining a bright light through the edge of the game case, allowing the code to be read without opening the package. However, after attempting the trick with their own copies, GamesRadar+ staff found that the code is protected by a camouflage pattern, making it unreadable from the outside. While it appears that not all copies have this protective measure, with some having a plain black strip instead, the publication notes that they couldn't find any instances of people reporting stolen codes. Additionally, most retailers store games in locked cases, making it difficult for potential thieves to access the codes.
Why it matters for GTA 6 players
The reported flashlight trick has sparked concerns among players who have pre-ordered physical copies of GTA 6, but GamesRadar+'s testing suggests that the risk of code theft may be low. The publication's findings may alleviate some worries for players who prefer physical copies, although it's still important for retailers to take precautions to secure their stock.
What remains unclear
The effectiveness of the flashlight trick on all versions of the physical GTA 6 copies, particularly those with a PEGI rating and a plain black strip, remains unclear. It is also uncertain whether any players have actually fallen victim to code theft using this method.
Source and attribution
Related GTA 6 coverage
Publication note: This source-based report was prepared and published automatically. It has not been reviewed by a human editor. Automated checks do not establish the authenticity of unconfirmed claims.
