Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5), the iconic game from Rockstar Games, was officially removed from the Xbox Game Pass on January 5, 2024. This removal marks a new turn in the complex relationship between the game and Microsoft's subscription service, where GTA 5 has been included and removed multiple times since its launch on the service.
The departure of GTA 5 from the Game Pass occurred in a particular context, coinciding with the announcement and upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) scheduled for 2025. This maneuver could be interpreted as a strategy by Rockstar Games to generate anticipation for their new release. It is worth noting that PlayStation added GTA 5 to its PlayStation Plus service on December 19, 2023, which may also have played a role in its removal from the Game Pass.
The elimination of GTA 5 is not an isolated event. Other titles such as Persona 4 Golden, Persona 3 Portable, Moto GP 22, and Garden Story were also removed from the service around the same time. However, Microsoft regularly updates the Game Pass library with new titles to maintain its appeal. Among the upcoming additions are Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Resident Evil 2, among others.
Several reasons can explain the withdrawal of GTA 5 from the Game Pass. Content rotation is a common practice for subscription services like Game Pass, allowing them to renew and diversify their offerings. Additionally, cost and licensing considerations could play a role, given that GTA 5 is an expensive title to maintain on such services. Rockstar's decision to offer the game for free on only one subscription service at a time could also be a commercial strategy, especially in view of its availability on PlayStation Plus.
The fluctuating presence of GTA 5 on the Game Pass has followed a pattern, with the title being removed several times, often in correlation with new releases or promotions from Rockstar Games. This has led to speculation that GTA 5 might return to the Game Pass in the future, as it has been an effective strategy to increase the game's player base.