Image via Rockstar Games
Microsoft’s Xbox has reportedly landed exclusive cloud streaming rights for Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6), a move that could give PC gamers access to the highly anticipated title at launch even though Rockstar Games has yet to announce a PC version. Xbox Cloud Gaming will be the only cloud service allowed to stream GTA 6 when the game launches, according to a report by The Verge. The report said Xbox CEO Asha Sharma told employees during an all-hands meeting that Microsoft was preparing to do something around GTA 6 that “no other platform holder is doing. Rockstar has not announced a PC version of GTA 6, and The Verge said the deal lets Xbox pitch its cloud service to PC players who would otherwise need an Xbox Series X/S or a PS5. GTA 6 is set to launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The reported streaming exclusivity gives Xbox its own GTA 6 selling point after that PlayStation-led campaign. One unconfirmed rumour puts the cost at $5.99 for 25 streaming hours.
The duration of the reported exclusivity agreement remains unclear. Microsoft has not announced prices.
Sources familiar with the company’s plans told The Verge that the comment referred to Xbox securing exclusive streaming rights for the game. The biggest effect may be on PC players. That means the game could be playable on PC in November through cloud streaming, though it would not be a native PC release. PlayStation holds the marketing deal for the game. Many ads say it “plays best on PS5. To offset the caps, players will be able to buy bundles of streaming hours without needing a Game Pass subscription.