GTA 6 comes to Xbox One via cloud gaming, but PC players are left out

Microsoft has announced an unexpected way for owners of older Xbox consoles to experience GTA 6. According to a new Xbox Wire announcement, GTA 6 will be playable through Xbox Cloud Gaming on launch day, November 19, including on the last-generation Xbox One. Sorry, Xbox 360 owners, you're out of luck. 

As confirmed earlier, GTA VI does not have a native Xbox One version. Microsoft will stream the game from its cloud infrastructure, allowing owners of the ageing console to experience Leonida without purchasing an Xbox Series X or Series S. However, all cloud sessions will use Xbox Series S graphics settings, regardless of the console being used. Exactly what they are is unknown, but don't get your hopes up high, because the game is locked to 30 FPS across all consoles, even the PS5 Pro. 

Unfortunately, PC gamers have once again drawn the short straw. Microsoft has restricted GTA 6 cloud streaming to Xbox consoles, meaning Windows PCs, smartphones, smart TVs and web browsers are excluded at launch. This is a particularly frustrating restriction because Xbox Cloud Gaming already supports these platforms for other titles. There is no obvious technical reason why a game running on Microsoft's cloud servers should be accessible from an Xbox One but not a Windows PC. That said, it is GTA 6 we're talking about, so normal rules need not apply. 

The decision effectively shuts down one of the few potential workarounds for PC gamers hoping to play GTA 6 at launch. Then again, someone is probably poking the gargantuan 212 GB GTA 6 install files with a stick somewhere, and it may not be long before some vibe codes an unofficial PC port into existence. Or you could wait a few more months for an official PC port, which is apparently due to arrive sooner than initially anticipated. 

GTA 6 will not be included with Xbox Game Pass, so players must purchase the game separately. Furthermore, Microsoft is introducing monthly cloud gaming limits across its Game Pass subscriptions. Game Pass Essential includes just 5 hours of cloud playtime per month, Premium offers 10 hours, and even the most expensive Ultimate tier provides only 15 hours. 

Once those hours are exhausted, players will need to purchase additional cloud gaming time or wait for their monthly allowance to reset. Microsoft is also introducing standalone cloud playtime purchases for those without a Game Pass subscription. During its Insider preview, the company offered 10 hours for $3.99, 25 hours for $7.99 and 50 hours for $11.99, although pricing and availability may vary by region.

For a game as sprawling as GTA 6, those monthly allowances could disappear rather quickly. Xbox One owners may be able to avoid purchasing a new console, but anyone planning to experience the entire game through the cloud should account for the additional costs.