Subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus have become major pillars of the modern gaming industry. With an increasing number of AAA studios and indie developers bringing their games to these platforms, fans can’t help but wonder: Will the highly anticipated GTA VI eventually arrive on Game Pass or PS Plus?
Unfortunately, Take-Two Interactive, the publisher behind the Grand Theft Auto series, has long expressed hesitation about launching its biggest titles through these services. And according to recent statements, don’t expect that to change anytime soon for GTA VI or other high-profile releases.
Take-Two Supports Subscriptions—But Only When It Makes Business Sense
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has been vocal about his stance on subscription models. Back in 2022, he stated plainly that day-one releases on Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus “don’t make sense” for the company.
That said, Take-Two isn’t entirely against paid subscription platforms. In fact, GTA V returned to Xbox Game Pass in early 2025, and several NBA 2K entries have appeared in PlayStation Plus libraries over the years. The company also operates its own service, GTA+, which offers exclusive benefits for GTA Online players and includes free access to select Rockstar titles.
Still, when it comes to flagship launches like Grand Theft Auto VI, the publisher remains cautious and only considers subscription deals if the financials are right.
Don’t Count on GTA VI Coming to Game Pass or PS Plus at Launch
During Take-Two’s latest earnings call, President Karl Slatoff clarified the company’s approach to subscription services. While he acknowledged that Microsoft and Sony are strong partners, he emphasized that economic viability is the key deciding factor.
“Occasionally, we include our titles in some subscription services. They’re great partners and, in many cases, very effective. But we wouldn’t do it unless it was a good economic deal—and they wouldn’t either. So we take advantage of that when it makes sense. And it has been very attractive economically,” said Slatoff.
His remarks make it clear: while Take-Two is open to the idea, GTA VI is unlikely to join Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus anytime near launch, unless a massive business deal makes it worthwhile.
NBA 2K and the Value of Subscription-Driven Engagement
Slatoff also mentioned the inclusion of NBA 2K titles on PlayStation Plus in the past, noting that these partnerships can drive user engagement and, by extension, revenue.
“As for NBA, we’ve done it in the past. We don’t really talk about what we might do in the future. But when we invest in a channel like that, it generates engagement. It generates revenue. It’s something we consider—and we do it when the time and terms are right,” he concluded.
So, will GTA VI come to Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus? For now, it’s unlikely — at least at launch. But as Take-Two continues to evaluate each opportunity on a case-by-case basis, there’s always a possibility for future releases to make the leap—just not the ones with a billion-dollar forecast.
