Italian retailer ShowGame has surprisingly launched limited pre-orders for "GTA 6", thus utilizing Best Buy's release date. However, there are now some doubts about this date.
The Italian gaming retailer ShowGame offered 50 limited pre-order slots for “GTA 6“This is despite Rockstar Games not having officially launched a worldwide pre-order phase. The promotion directly responds to a verified partner email from Best Buy, which specifically mentioned May 18, 2026, as the release date for physical versions.”
The leak becomes reality
ShowGame's pre-release promotion demonstrates the market's impatience for the game's release. While major global retailers and Rockstar Games itself have remained silent, the Italian shop is taking matters into its own hands. For €69,90, players can secure one of 50 available slots. This, however, represents a significant risk for the retailer.
Since Rockstar Games hasn't confirmed final prices or exact delivery quantities for individual regions, this is legally considered a paid reservation. However, ShowGame guarantees buyers that this price of just under €70 will remain stable, even if Rockstar Games sets a higher standard price for next-gen titles at launch. That's the real draw for the community.
Caution is advised
The retailer's move should be treated with extreme caution. A quota of 50 units is a drop in the ocean for a game of this scale. Rather, it indicates that the logistics chains are starting up behind the scenes. The Best Buy leak, and now apparently also... WalmartThe physical data carriers were genuine. The dealers are preparing their systems.
Those who buy from small retailers now are primarily securing a promise, not a guaranteed disc on launch day. While the price guarantee of €69,90 is tempting given current trends for AAA games, without official approval from Rockstar, it remains a local marketing stunt.
ShowGame's move was definitely premature and likely primarily serves to draw attention to their own shop. It proves that the Best Buy leak is causing a stir in the industry, but it's irrelevant to the majority of players. The real, global surge in demand is still pending.
Do you think that major retailers like Amazon or GameStop will have to follow suit today after this move, or will Rockstar stick to its own timeline?
