Microsoft has revealed that Grand Theft Auto 5 will return to Xbox and PC Game Pass on April 15, marking its re-entry into the subscription service after a brief hiatus. In a recent update on Xbox Wire, Megan Spurr, the senior community lead for Game Pass, shared that players on PC Game Pass will also gain access to the GTA 5 Enhanced Edition.
Access to Multiple Versions
One of the notable features of this return is that PC Game Pass players will have the ability to access both the standard and Enhanced Edition of GTA 5. This is particularly beneficial for those who wish to engage in GTA Online, as it alleviates concerns regarding version mismatches among friends. The Enhanced Edition, which was released as a complimentary update for PC players in March, has garnered mixed reviews since its launch.
Currently, the Enhanced Edition holds a “Mixed” rating on Steam, with over 33,000 user reviews. While many players appreciate the visual and performance enhancements, there have been complaints regarding technical issues, such as inconsistent HDR support. Recent feedback has also pointed out that GTA Online lobbies seem less populated than before, alongside criticisms of the aggressive microtransaction model.
New Features and Enhancements
The enhancements introduced in the PC version of GTA 5 include graphical upgrades that were previously showcased in the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions. Players can also look forward to new vehicles and activities, such as the Wildlife Photography Challenge. To ease the entry for newcomers, the Enhanced Edition provides players with an initial boost of GTA,000,000, aiming to create a more welcoming environment for those new to GTA Online.
For a deeper dive into the Grand Theft Auto 5 Enhanced Edition, one can explore critiques that suggest the update primarily offers a modest visual upgrade, with new content that may not fully meet the expectations set by the rest of the game.
Sales Success and Future Developments
Since its initial release in 2013, Grand Theft Auto 5 has achieved remarkable success for developer Rockstar and publisher Take-Two Interactive. In February, Take-Two disclosed during its quarterly earnings report that the game has sold over 210 million copies globally, contributing to a staggering total of more than 440 million units sold across the entire GTA franchise. Meanwhile, Red Dead Redemption 2 continues to perform well, having sold over 70 million copies worldwide.
As the gaming community anticipates the next chapter, Rockstar is currently at work on Grand Theft Auto 6. Although specific details remain under wraps, the industry is poised for a significant impact upon its eventual release, which is being developed for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, with no announcements regarding a PC version as of yet.