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.
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.
