Xbox CEO Asha Sharma told employees this morning that Microsoft is preparing something for Grand Theft Auto VI that “no other platform holder is doing,” according to attendees. Sources close to Microsoft’s strategy reveal that Xbox has secured exclusive game streaming rights for Grand Theft Auto VI.
The deal will mean only Xbox Cloud Gaming can stream Grand Theft Auto VI to players at launch, though the agreement’s duration remains unclear. Since Rockstar Games has yet to announce a PC version of Grand Theft Auto VI, the arrangement allows Xbox to market its cloud gaming service to PC users who wouldn’t otherwise own an Xbox Series X/S or PS5.
This streaming rights announcement follows Microsoft’s recent overhaul of Xbox Cloud Gaming. Starting in November—coinciding with Grand Theft Auto VI’s release—the service will cap streaming at 15 hours for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members, 10 hours for Premium tier subscribers, and just five hours for Essential users.
Additionally, next month Microsoft will introduce a pay-as-you-go access model for Xbox Cloud Gaming, moving beyond the Game Pass subscription requirement. This timing aligns perfectly with Grand Theft Auto VI, enabling players without an Xbox or those who primarily game on mobile to stream the title by purchasing hour bundles.
During the same all-hands meeting, Sharma also revealed that Project Helix, the next-generation Xbox hardware, will consist of a “family of devices,” and that Microsoft plans to collaborate with partners on some of these products.