Xbox executive denies GTA 6 exclusive streaming and PC cloud report

Ball rejects the report

Ball wrote on X: "While the excitement for GTAVI and XBOX is great to see, it has also led to some misreporting. We are looking forward to launching GTAVI on XBOX November 19, though the game will not be streaming exclusively or to PC." GamesRadar reported that his wording implied GTA 6 could still stream on Xbox Cloud Gaming, but not through the service's PC app.

The Verge report

The Verge's Tom Warren reported that Microsoft had secured exclusive cloud streaming rights for GTA 6 at launch, citing sources familiar with its plans. The report said Xbox Cloud Gaming would be the only service streaming the game at launch. It linked the claim to comments by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, who told an all-hands meeting that Microsoft was preparing something for the game that "no other platform holder is doing." DualShockers said the report cut down competition such as Nvidia and Amazon Luna, which wanted a piece of the GTA 6 cake.

What changed

The Verge added a correction to its article but did not retract the cloud-launch agreement, Mezha reported. The updated article says Xbox Cloud Gaming will be able to stream GTA 6 at release, though access will likely be restricted to Xbox consoles. Browsers and apps on PCs, smartphones and TVs may not support the game, and Microsoft has not published a list of compatible devices.

Why PC matters

Rockstar has not announced a PC version. Its GTA VI page lists PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Before Ball's post, cloud streaming was the reported route for PC, phone and tablet players to reach the game at launch without buying a console. Rock Paper Shotgun noted there is no obvious technical reason a streamed GTA 6 could not run on PC, and suggested the exclusion serves console sales.

What remains unclear

PC Guide noted that Ball did not deny that GTA 6 will be available to stream on Xbox Cloud Gaming for console players. It said players may be able to buy the game separately and use the Stream Your Own Game feature, assuming GTA 6 is supported. Rock Paper Shotgun said it had reached out to Rockstar and Xbox for comment. The length of any streaming arrangement remains unclear.

Cloud limits

From November, Game Pass Ultimate subscribers get 15 cloud hours a month, Premium 10 and Essential 5, against no streaming hour limit before, Microsoft announced on Xbox Wire. Subscribers can buy extra hours through the Xbox Store, but Microsoft has not announced prices. Microsoft also plans a pay-as-you-go cloud option in November for people without a Game Pass subscription. GamesRadar noted Rockstar titles are generally long, and the 15-hour cap begins the same month as the launch.