Xbox CSO Denies GTA 6 Streaming Exclusivity Report

Microsoft appeared to have a huge GTA 6 announcement in the works, but the story has already taken an unexpected turn. A report claimed that Xbox had secured exclusive streaming rights for GTA 6 at launch, only for Microsoft’s Xbox chief strategy officer to push back on the claim.

The original report from The Verge mentioned that Xbox CEO Asha Sharma told employees during an all-hands meeting that Microsoft was preparing to do something around GTA 6 that “no other platform holder is doing.” Sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans reportedly told Warren that this referred to a deal giving Xbox Cloud Gaming exclusive streaming rights to GTA 6.

Xbox says GTA 6 will not stream exclusively

That sounded like a major win for Xbox, especially with GTA 6 launching on November 19 and Rockstar yet to announce a native PC version. However, Xbox chief strategy officer Matthew Ball later clarified that the game will not be streamed exclusively through Xbox and will not be streamed to PC.

That means the reported deal does not appear to give Xbox the sweeping streaming advantage initially suggested. The Verge has since made corrections in the original report by mentioning Ball’s clarification.

Not to forget, Microsoft is all set to make some major changes to Xbox Cloud Gaming in November. The company is introducing a pay-as-you-go option while also starting monthly streaming limits for Game Pass subscribers. Ultimate members will get 15 hours, Premium subscribers 10 hours, and Essential subscribers five hours before additional streaming time is needed.

With GTA 6 releasing the same month, Xbox’s cloud strategy is clearly entering an important phase. However, based on Microsoft’s latest clarification, GTA 6 should not be described as an Xbox Cloud Gaming exclusive.