Xbox has secured exclusive cloud streaming rights for Grand Theft Auto VI, according to sources familiar with Microsoft's plans cited by The Verge. The deal means only Xbox Cloud Gaming will be able to stream the game to players when it launches, though it is not clear how long the agreement will last.
The news broke during an internal Microsoft all-hands meeting, where Xbox CEO Asha Sharma told employees the company was preparing something around Grand Theft Auto VI that "no other platform holder is doing." The streaming rights arrive in November, the same month Grand Theft Auto VI releases and Microsoft opens up access to Xbox Cloud Gaming beyond Game Pass subscriptions.
Xbox Cloud Gaming changes and the GTA VI connection
The exclusive streaming deal comes roughly a month after Microsoft announced major changes to Xbox Cloud Gaming. Starting in November, streaming hours will be capped at 15 hours for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, 10 hours for Premium subscribers, and just five hours for Game Pass Essential members.
Microsoft is also introducing a pay-as-you-go option for Xbox Cloud Gaming next month, moving beyond the Game Pass-only model. This timing lines up directly with Grand Theft Auto VI, letting players who do not own an Xbox console, or who mainly play on their phones, stream the game by purchasing a bundle of hours.
Since Rockstar Games still has not announced a PC version of Grand Theft Auto VI, the streaming rights give Xbox a way to market its cloud service to PC players who would otherwise need an Xbox Series X / S or a PS5 console to play the title.
- Exclusive cloud streaming rights for Grand Theft Auto VI belong to Xbox Cloud Gaming at launch
- Deal duration has not been disclosed
