Grand Theft Auto 5 Leaving Xbox Game Pass: What You Need to Know
Grand Theft Auto 5, one of the best-selling video games ever made, is leaving Xbox Game Pass after January 5. Here's what you need to know about its departure and how it will affect subscribers.
The Departure of Grand Theft Auto 5
Unfortunately for Xbox Game Pass subscribers, the popular subscription service is losing one of its best games today. Today is the last day that Xbox Game Pass subscribers can play Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto 5 with their subscription.
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Grand Theft Auto 5 has been a part of the Xbox Game Pass lineup on multiple occasions, but it never stays available for too long. The same can be said about GTA 5's latest visit, as Rockstar's critically-acclaimed open world crime game was only a part of Xbox Game Pass for about six months. Grand Theft Auto 5 joined Xbox Game Pass last summer, but longtime subscribers already knew that it was unlikely to stay part of the service for a full calendar year, which is the standard for other games. Sure enough, Grand Theft Auto 5 was added to the Xbox Game Pass Leaving Soon section this past December, and then it was officially confirmed that its last day would be Friday, January 5.
Today is the last day that Grand Theft Auto 5 will be available through Xbox Game Pass, so anyone interested in playing the game through their subscription should make sure to do so while they still can. One day is certainly not enough time to complete Grand Theft Auto 5, so anyone that wants to buy the game for keeps can do so at a discounted rate while it's still on Game Pass. There are four versions of GTA 5 to choose from, including some that include Shark Cards so players have some extra money to spend in Grand Theft Auto Online. Keep in mind that the discounted prices for GTA 5 and its Shark Card bundles will only be available while the game is still on Game Pass, so those interested have only a day to take advantage of the lower prices.
With Grand Theft Auto 5 being one of the best-selling video games ever made, it's safe to say that there are many who already own it and won't be stressed about it leaving Game Pass. Even so, Grand Theft Auto 5 leaving Xbox Game Pass is still disappointing, given its status as the highest-rated game on the service. Grand Theft Auto 5 has a 97 overall rating, making it the ninth-highest rated game of all time at the time of this writing.
The Impact on Xbox Game Pass Subscribers
Grand Theft Auto 5 leaving Xbox Game Pass is a significant event for subscribers, especially those who have been enjoying the game through their subscription. The departure of such a popular and highly-rated title will undoubtedly leave a void for many players. While some may already own the game and are unaffected by its departure, others who have been relying on their Game Pass subscription to play GTA 5 will need to make alternative arrangements.
In addition, the departure of Grand Theft Auto 5 is part of a larger trend on Xbox Game Pass, with four other games also set to leave later in the month. Garden Story, MotoGP 22, Persona 3 Portable, and Persona 4 Golden will all be removed on January 15, prompting subscribers to plan their gaming sessions accordingly. This series of departures signals a shift in the Game Pass lineup, and subscribers will need to adapt to the evolving library of games available through the service.
The Future of Grand Theft Auto 5 on Xbox
While Grand Theft Auto 5 may be leaving Xbox Game Pass, its legacy and influence in the gaming industry are far from over. The game's departure from the subscription service does not diminish its status as one of the best-selling and most beloved titles in gaming history. Rockstar's masterpiece continues to thrive across various platforms, and those who wish to continue their adventures in Los Santos and Blaine County will have the opportunity to do so through other means.
For Xbox Game Pass subscribers, the departure of Grand Theft Auto 5 serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of the service and the ever-changing lineup of games. While some titles may come and go, the gaming community can look forward to new additions and experiences on Xbox Game Pass. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, it's certain that there will be more exciting developments in store for subscribers and gamers alike.
