GTA 5 Arrives on Xbox Game Pass
GTA 5 has arrived on Xbox Game Pass once again, serving as a perfect example of how the defining feature of the current console generation benefits players and studios alike.
Putting the Rockstar hit in Game Pass not only serves as a testament to its value in the current gaming ecosystem, but also gives players a wonderful chance to finally experience it or dive back in for more mayhem.
The Value of Xbox Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass has become the big story of the latest console generation, and for good reason. For a flat monthly fee, players can access a wide range of games, replicating the Netflix model and serving as a perfect solution for those who don’t have the means or time to commit to big, bulky games.
PlayStation has stuck with prestige exclusives, but Xbox has broadened its reach by replicating the Netflix model, serving as a perfect compliment to the more prestigious offerings of Sony. While the likes of Halo Infinite, Gears 5, and Fable Legends may be on the horizon, the addition of GTA 5 on Game Pass once again showcases the depth and value of the service for both players and studios.
This isn’t the first time GTA 5 has been on Game Pass, and it’s likely to leave and return in the future. And much like with a streaming service, the frustration of the game’s length is somewhat alleviated by its affordability. If players fall in love with it, they can pick it up for a low price even after it leaves Game Pass, just as they would be able to do with a streaming service.
The Impact on Revenue
When GTA 5 was previously on Game Pass, its revenue saw an uptick thanks to the service, jumping from $179 million to $210 million in the first quarter after leaving it, then jumping again to $263 million when it became free on the Epic Game Store shortly afterwards.
GTA 5 is mostly known for its single-player mode, but the online component is heavily played, and putting the game in front of more players increases the chances of selling shark cards, a popular in-game currency in GTA Online.
If you’re a skeptic of Game Pass, that’s fair, but there’s no denying that it has benefited GTA 5. While Xbox may make changes to the service in the future, for now, players should enjoy GTA 5 on Game Pass while they can.
The Future of GTA
When the next GTA is revealed, it will undoubtedly be the biggest news story of the year, as the leak has only heightened anticipation for the game. Rockstar’s previous outing with Red Dead Redemption 2 and the general respect for their quality make GTA 6 one of the most trusted and highly anticipated upcoming games.
But putting GTA 5 on Game Pass is not meant to move the needle or serve as a table-setter for GTA 6. Rather, it’s simply to provide players with an opportunity to enjoy the game itself, much like they did with the GTA 5 review from years ago. Game Pass has often been seen as beneficial for players, but there have been concerns about its impact on publishers.
However, for bigger and longer-running games like GTA 5, the benefits of Game Pass for both players and publishers are evident. Ultimately, the GTA brand doesn’t require any more promotion – it’s already established itself as a powerhouse in the gaming industry. And when GTA 6 is revealed and undoubtedly goes on to become one of the best multiplayer games on PC, it will undoubtedly do so with the help of Game Pass.
If you’re still not convinced about Game Pass, or even if you are, our GTA 5 multiplayer guide is a great place to start to get the most out of Rockstar’s multiplayer game.
