alt Hacker NewsA number of games (for example the new Halo) aren't actually on the disc or otherwise have mandatory download requirements. The disc is just used as a DRM mechanism. Rockstar is not shipping discs for completely non-technical reasons. Likely some combination of saving a few bucks, stopping people camping out at retailers, and blocking the secondary market.
"Some game discs don't contain the game and are only used for DRM, therefore Rockstar won't be shipping discs for non-technical reasons"? That's a non sequitur.