Grand Theft Auto 5 aka GTA 5 is one of the few video games that generate significant buzz and revenue despite being over a decade old. The popular title was added to the Xbox Game Pass in July 2023. However, just six months later, it is all set to leave the subscription service once again. Microsoft is yet to make the announcement but the game is currently visible under the “Leaving Soon” section of the Xbox Game Pass application.
GTA 5 Leaving Xbox Game Pass on January 15
The unexpected news was first shared by well-known Xbox tipster Idle Sloth via his X profile. The user posted screenshots from the Game Pass application showing GTA 5 as one of the games set to leave the service soon. The post added all these games including the latest GTA title will leave Xbox Game Pass on January 15.
It means if you are playing GTA 5 for the first time and want to complete the story without buying the game separately, you have less than a couple of weeks to do so. The game will become unavailable from the Game Pass on both Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles. It is reported gamers will be able to purchase GTA 5 for 20% off after the removal.
This is not the first time GTA 5 is leaving Xbox Game Pass after a brief stint. It has been coming to and leaving the subscription service regularly since its addition in 2020. This may be part of Rockstar Games’ strategy to give a taste of the game to new gamers to get them hooked and convert them into actual buyers.
Some other notable titles leaving Xbox Game Pass this month include Persona 4 Golden, Persona 3 Portable, MotoGP 22, and Garden Story. If you are looking for what’s new in Game Pass, Microsoft recently added titles like Far Cry 6, Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Remnant: From the Ashes to the subscription service.
In related news, GTA 5 was added to the PlayStation Plus Premium and Extra subscription tiers just last month. The title made its way to the service just a week after Rockstar Games released the much-awaited GTA 6 trailer. It showed the protagonists Lucia and Jason along with the vibrant visuals of the modern-era Vice City.
The two characters seem to have a Bonnie and Clyde-like relationship as they go about committing crimes in the city. Rockstar ended the trailer by revealing GTA 6 will release in 2025. The game will first debut on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X consoles. There are no words on the GTA 6 PC release date yet.
