Some international physical copies of GTA VI can allegedly be redeemed without opening the box

Less than a week before Grand Theft Auto VI is released into the wild, online reports have started to bubble up about a potentially serious issue with the retail version of the game. According to posts on ResetEra and X, the download code for the game may be visible from the outside without opening the box if you have a strong enough flashlight.

The code is visible because, rather than including a paper insert with the code or covering it with a scratch-off coating, it's reportedly printed on the inside cover of the GTA VI box. Only a few photos are currently circulating of codes illuminated through the side of the game box, so it's hard to say if this is truly a widespread issue. The ResetEra post says it may be limited to international copies of the game, because the US game box includes a backing that camouflages the code from the outside.

Engadget has asked Take-Two to comment on the reports and whether it's aware of any issues with GTA VI game boxes. We'll update this article if we hear back.

If the issue is widespread, it could pose a serious problem for anyone trying to buy a physical version of the game. All you need is a code, your console and an internet connection to download GTA VI, and if you're able to get those codes without buying or even opening the retail box, it could be possible to purchase a copy of the game that's already been redeemed.