Not sure why they're doing that farce even. Just let people buy the code online. Who wants a plastic packet for this much cost?
But mostly the goal is to remove the resale/rent/borrow ability of people who purchase this game unfortunately.
The bad PR was insane. They backtracked. But now I wish I had this. I use the Xbox Series S for travel and it doesn’t have a physical drive so I can’t play my physical discs.
It’s even worse because you can find used games on eBay for <$5 but those same games to buy digitally are >$20.