Microsoft has officially revealed that Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5) has left Xbox Game Pass on January 5. The popular game was added to the Game Pass lineup on July 5, 2023, and its six-month run as an accessible title for subscribers is coming to an end.
Contrary to the usual practice of giving advance notice of Game Pass additions, GTA 5's inclusion happened without the usual warning, leaving subscribers caught off guard by its unannounced arrival. Additionally, Rockstar titles, including GTA 5, consistently depart on dates other than the regular 15th or last day of the month, setting them apart from the typical removal schedule of other Game Pass offerings.
Dedicated, long-time subscribers had anticipated GTA 5's departure, as the game was featured in the app's “Leaving Soon” section a month earlier. Contrary to initial expectations that the game would be removed by the end of the year, GTA 5 remained available on the service beyond December 31.
There was initial speculation suggesting a possible departure on January 15, but it later became clear that GTA 5 left the service earlier, on January 5.
On January 5, not only GTA 5 will say goodbye, but four other games, namely Garden Story, MotoGP 22, Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden, will also leave Xbox Game Pass. However, on February 2, Persona 3 Reload will be introduced to Game Pass as a day-one release. This addition provides a new take on the classic game and helps soften the impact of Persona 3 Portable's departure from the lineup.
Meanwhile, the GTA 6 trailer has arrived, giving fans who have been eagerly awaiting each new update to their favorite open-world gaming franchise something to look forward to. Such is the hype surrounding the Grand Theft Auto series that the GTA 6 trailer was viewed more than 90 million times in the 24 hours since it went live.
Notably, the GTA 6 trailer has now become the most viewed non-music video, easily overtaking YouTuber Mr Beast's previous record.
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Published: Jan 6, 2024 12:30 PM IST