GTA 5 might be joining PC Game Pass, but without next gen upgrades, leaving fans divided.
A recent tweet from credible Rockstar Games insider Tez2 has sent shockwaves through the GTA community, hinting that Grand Theft Auto 5 could soon be available on Xbox's PC Game Pass. This would follow a familiar model adopted by other gaming giants, requiring players to launch the game through the Xbox app before transitioning to the Rockstar Games Launcher.
This dual-launcher system, while slightly cumbersome, has become the industry standard for titles available on PC Game Pass or on PC in general. For example, Hoyoverse games via Epic Games Launcher, or EA Launcher through Xbox App on PC has a similar infrastructure — as do many more.
https://twitter.com/TezFunz2/status/1817699079876407495
If the deal goes through, players would have access to the PC version of GTA 5, rather than the enhanced console editions enjoyed by Xbox Series X|S and PS5 players. This means missing out on next-gen upgrades and exclusive features.
A leaked Microsoft document from last year's FTC-Microsoft court battle, revealed during the Activision Blizzard acquisition tussle, sheds light on the potential cost of bringing GTA 5 to Xbox Game Pass. The document suggests that Rockstar's parent company, Take-Two, requested a hefty $12 to $15 million per month. With games typically staying on the service for six months, the total cost could reach a staggering $72 to $90 million each time.
Interestingly, the same document mentioned a "wildcard" when discussing GTA 5's potential PC Game Pass release, suggesting that while plans existed, certain hurdles prevented it from happening. The exact reasons are unknown, but the millions it would have cost to have GTA 5 on Xbox's PC Game Pass likely played a role.
Despite the PC Game Pass having a substantial user base, it still falls short compared to its console counterpart. This explains Microsoft's keen interest in securing GTA 5 or even Red Dead Redemption 2 for the platform, as their inclusion could significantly boost PC Game Pass subscriptions.
GTA 5 has had a complex and unpredictable relationship with Xbox Game Pass, previously appearing and disappearing multiple times. GTA 5 has also been featured on PlayStation Plus in the past, further highlighting Rockstar's strategic use of subscription services to boost interest in its titles.
Historically, GTA 5's inclusion on Xbox Game Pass often coincides with significant Rockstar announcements or product launches. This pattern suggests a deliberate strategy to capitalize on the game's popularity and generate buzz around other projects. With '''GTA 6''' not too far from release, it's possible that a GTA 5 resurgence on PC Game Pass could be part of a larger marketing plan.
As fans eagerly await official confirmation, the question remains: When will Rockstar and Microsoft announce a concrete timeline for GTA 5's arrival on Xbox PC Game Pass? With GTA 6 just around the corner, bringing GTA 5 to Xbox's PC Game Pass could be a risky move for Rockstar and Microsoft.
Fans are divided, with some excited about the prospect and others expressing fatigue and questioning the need for continued GTA 5 support.
