Microsoft has confirmed that GTA 6 will be available on Xbox Cloud Gaming on its release day, November 19, allowing Xbox One players to experience the title without upgrading their hardware. However, PC players are excluded. Although Xbox Cloud Gaming itself supports Windows, GTA 6's cloud streaming service is currently limited to Xbox consoles, and all cloud gamers will be subject to Xbox Series S graphical settings.
Microsoft has revealed an unexpected way for owners of older Xbox consoles to play GTA 6. According to the latest announcement on Xbox Wire, GTA 6 will support Xbox Cloud Gaming on its release day, November 19, including on the discontinued previous-generation Xbox One. Unfortunately, Xbox 360 users will be left out.
It was previously confirmed that GTA 6 will not receive a native Xbox One version. Instead, Microsoft will run the game on cloud servers and stream it to Xbox One, allowing players with older hardware to explore Leonida without needing to purchase an Xbox Series X or Series S. However, all cloud gaming sessions will use Xbox Series S graphical settings, regardless of the device used. Microsoft has not yet disclosed specific visual performance details, but players should manage their expectations. After all, GTA 6 is capped at 30 FPS on all consoles, even on the PS5 Pro.
Unfortunately, PC players are once again left out in the cold.
Microsoft has restricted cloud streaming for GTA 6 to Xbox consoles, meaning Windows PCs, smartphones, smart TVs, and web browsers will not be able to access the game via cloud gaming at launch. This is particularly puzzling since Xbox Cloud Gaming already supports these devices for other titles. Given that the game runs on Microsoft's cloud servers, there's no technical reason why content accessible on Xbox One shouldn't also be available on Windows PC. However, considering this is GTA 6, standard logic may not entirely apply.
This decision effectively blocks one of the few potential avenues for PC players to experience GTA 6 at launch. Of course, some are likely already digging into the massive 212GB game files, and it wouldn't be surprising if someone uses AI coding tools to create an unofficial PC port before long. Alternatively, players can wait a few more months for the official PC version, which is rumored to arrive sooner than initially expected.
Additionally, GTA 6 will not be included in Xbox Game Pass, so players will still need to purchase the game separately. Meanwhile, Microsoft is introducing monthly cloud gaming time limits across various Game Pass subscription tiers. The Essential tier will offer only 5 hours of cloud gaming per month, Premium will provide 10 hours, and the highest-tier Ultimate will cap at 15 hours.
Once the monthly allowance is exhausted, players will need to purchase additional cloud gaming time or wait for the next month's reset. For users without a Game Pass subscription, Microsoft will also offer standalone cloud gaming time packages. During previous Insider preview tests, Microsoft offered three options: $3.99 for 10 hours, $7.99 for 25 hours, and $11.99 for 50 hours. However, final pricing and availability may vary by region.
Given the massive scale of GTA 6, these monthly cloud gaming allowances are likely to be consumed quickly. While Xbox One players can save on the cost of a new console, those planning to play through the entire game via cloud streaming should factor in the additional time and financial costs.