Xbox Scores Exclusive Streaming Rights for GTA 6

Xbox Secures Exclusive Game Streaming Rights for Grand Theft Auto VI

During an employee all-hands meeting, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma revealed that Microsoft is set to make a groundbreaking move with Grand Theft Auto VI that no other platform holder has done. Sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans confirmed that Xbox has clinched a deal for the exclusive game streaming rights for Grand Theft Auto VI.

This agreement means that only Xbox Cloud Gaming will be able to stream Grand Theft Auto VI to players upon its release. However, the duration of this exclusivity deal remains undisclosed. With Rockstar Games yet to announce a PC version of Grand Theft Auto VI, this deal will enable Xbox to promote its Xbox Cloud Gaming service to PC gamers who would otherwise require an Xbox Series X/S or PS5 console.

The news of these streaming rights follows Microsoft’s recent announcement of significant changes to Xbox Cloud Gaming. Starting in November, the same month Grand Theft Auto VI is set to launch, Microsoft will be capping streaming hours at 15 for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, 10 for Premium subscribers, and 5 for Game Pass Essential users.

Furthermore, Microsoft will introduce a pay-as-you-go option for Xbox Cloud Gaming next month, allowing users to access the service without a Game Pass subscription. This new option coincides perfectly with the release of Grand Theft Auto VI, enabling non-Xbox owners and mobile gamers to stream the game by purchasing a bundle of hours.

In addition to these developments, Sharma also shared insights on Project Helix, the upcoming generation of Xbox hardware. Describing it as a “family of devices,” she revealed that Microsoft will collaborate with other partners on some of these devices. The concept of Helix as a family of devices was first mentioned in an interview last month, following a strategic partnership between Microsoft and AMD to develop a range of devices, including the next-generation Xbox console.