Grand Theft Auto VI arrives on Xbox Cloud Gaming November 19
Grand Theft Auto VI will be playable via Xbox Cloud Gaming on its November 19 launch day.
The title is already the “most pre-ordered title of all time on the Microsoft Store,” Xbox announced on Tuesday. While the game is launching on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, Xbox is enabling cloud streaming for the older Xbox One console as well. Nearly eight million copies had already been pre-ordered two weeks before release, according to analytics firm Sensor Tower.
Rockstar Games targets 30 frames per second for visual fidelity
Rockstar Games stated that the title is designed to target 30 frames per second across all consoles to maintain visual density and environmental fidelity, IGN reported.
“Grand Theft Auto VI has been fully developed from the ground up to provide the best possible experience for the current generation of consoles, targeting 30 frames per second while pushing both platforms to their absolute limits to bring the vast and rich world of Leonida to life — while maintaining the density and visual fidelity of all its environments and inhabitants,” Rockstar said in a post.
Performance varies depending on the specific hardware used to play the game:
- PlayStation 5 Pro: Offers the best experience with improved ray tracing and enhanced visual detail, according to IGN. Rockstar stated the game plays best on PlayStation 5 consoles, noting that the DualSense controller’s high-fidelity haptic feedback and Sony’s Tempest 3D audio are fully integrated.
- Xbox Series X: Provides the best native Xbox experience via local installation.
- Xbox One: Restricted to cloud streaming via Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Rockstar Games noted that connection speeds and technical factors may influence cloud performance in ways that do not impact local gameplay, IGN reported.
Xbox encourages pre-loading while physical copies use download codes
To prepare for launch, Xbox is encouraging players to begin pre-loading the title as soon as possible.
In New Zealand, players were the first to access downloads as access rolled out at midnight in each time zone, The Journal reported. Physical copies will contain a download code rather than a disc, The Journal reported.
Standard and Ultimate editions differ in price and content
Players can choose between two versions of the game, PCMag UK reported. The Standard Edition is priced at $80, while the Ultimate Edition costs $100. In Europe, the Standard Edition is priced at €79.99, and the version with in-game bonuses costs €99.99.
| Feature | Standard Edition | Ultimate Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $80 | $100 |
| Core Gameplay | Full experience | Full experience |
| Exclusive Content | None | Extra weapons, cosmetics, and cars |
| Customization | Standard | Exclusive storefronts (salons, tattoo parlors) |
The Ultimate Edition includes “bonuses threaded across all aspects of Jason and Lucia’s story,” according to Rockstar Games, PCMag UK reported. This edition allows players to drive a ’95 Grotti Cheetah and use Hawk & Little Morgan Revolvers. It’s the culmination of that really obnoxious trend where studios develop a game then chop it up to sell back to you later as DLC,
said Gabe Zamora, expressing frustration over the split.
Grand Theft Auto VI pre-loading is now available for everyone who has pre-ordered. If you still have yet to pre-order, now’s the time to make sure you're prepared for November 19: https://t.co/LUoPLobocD pic.twitter.com/TLtJUSFBwN
Players who pre-order before November 20 will receive retro weapons, outfits, and vehicles inspired by 1980s Vice City, plus one month of GTA+, PCMag UK reported.
Cloud playtime options
Starting Wednesday, Xbox is allowing players in 29 supported markets to purchase cloud playtime without a Game Pass subscription, The Hollywood Reporter reported.
The pricing for these sessions is set at $3.99 for 10 hours, $7.99 for 25 hours, and $11.99 for 50 hours, The Hollywood Reporter reported.
Questions about smart TV support, frame rates and PlayStation cloud options
Can I play Grand Theft Auto VI on a smart TV?
Current Xbox Cloud Gaming support for this title does not include smart TVs, browsers, or Amazon Fire sticks, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Will the game run at 60fps?
Rockstar Games has stated the game is targeting 30fps on all consoles to maintain the density of its environments, IGN reported.
Is there a PlayStation cloud option?
PlayStation players do not currently have a cloud-play option for the title, The Hollywood Reporter reported.
The release follows the massive success of Grand Theft Auto V, which The Journal reported sold more than 230 million units. The latest installment in this saga has sold over 475 million copies worldwide since 1997.
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