As 2024 dawns, Microsoft’s Game Pass is set to undergo significant changes in its gaming roster. The beginning of the year sees the departure of some major titles from the platform, including the iconic “Grand Theft Auto 5” (GTA 5) and popular role-playing games “Persona 3 Portable” and “Persona 4 Golden.” This shuffle comes at a pivotal moment, coinciding with the burgeoning excitement for the upcoming “Grand Theft Auto 6.”
Game Pass concluded the previous year with an impressive lineup, featuring titles like “Remnant: From the Ashes,” “Against the Storm,” “Far Cry 6,” and “Rise of the Tomb Raider.” However, the start of 2024 brings a shift as some key games prepare to exit. Fans of the “Persona” series will find themselves racing against time, with only a couple of weeks left to delve into the depths of these engaging RPGs before they vanish from the platform.
“Grand Theft Auto 5,” known for its expansive open-world and gripping storyline, is completing its third stint on Xbox Game Pass. Initially added in July 2023, this marks GTA 5’s third appearance on the service, following previous inclusions from April to August 2021 and January to May 2020. Available to Xbox One and Xbox Series X subscribers, the game also supports cloud streaming to mobile devices and PCs.
In a notable move, PlayStation Plus Extra, a close rival to Xbox Game Pass, introduced GTA 5 to its platform in December. This addition to Sony’s middle-tier PlayStation Plus service made the game accessible on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
For fans of the “Persona” series, the departure of “Persona 3 Portable” and “Persona 4 Golden” marks the end of their year-long availability on Game Pass. Brought to the service last January by Atlus, these games offered a rich, narrative-driven experience.
However, Atlus is set to continue its presence on Game Pass with the launch of “Persona 3 Reload,” a remake scheduled for release in February on various platforms including PS4, PS5, Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
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The shifting landscape of game subscriptions, especially with GTA 5’s transitions, gains added significance in light of Rockstar’s recent reveal of “Grand Theft Auto 6.” With an anticipated release in 2025, the buzz around this new installment is palpable.
Game Pass offers various subscription options, catering to different gaming needs and platforms. Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass are priced at $10.99 and $9.99 per month, respectively, with the PC version including access to EA Play’s 70 additional games.
The comprehensive Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, at $16.99 per month, encompasses both PC and Xbox libraries, EA Play on both platforms, and online multiplayer access. There’s also a core Xbox Game Pass option at $9.99 monthly or $59.99 annually.
