AI-rewritten: This is a summary of an article from The Verge, rewritten by AI (Qwen, running locally) to make it easier to read. The facts come from the original article – read it for the full story.

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Xbox has secured the streaming rights for Grand Theft Auto VI, a deal set to activate in November when Microsoft launches expanded access to Xbox Cloud Gaming. During an internal all-hands meeting, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced plans that she described as unique among platform holders. Sources familiar with the situation confirm that Sharma’s brief teaser focused on this specific agreement to allow the game to stream directly to players at its launch.

Microsoft is adjusting its streaming policies starting next month. Subscribers will face new hour limits: 15 hours for Game Pass Ultimate members, 10 hours for Premium subscribers, and five hours for Game Pass Essential users. Additionally, a pay-as-you-go option is being introduced, allowing users to purchase specific bundles of hours without needing a subscription. This change aims to make the service accessible to people who do not own an Xbox console or prefer playing from mobile devices.

Clarifications regarding the deal have been provided by Xbox chief strategy officer Matthew Ball on social media. He stated that Microsoft will not stream Grand Theft Auto VI exclusively and that it will not be available on PCs. This suggests the agreement is limited to streaming on Xbox consoles. Consequently, web browsers and other apps that typically access Xbox Cloud Gaming may not be able to stream the game. The company has also confirmed that Rockstar Games has not yet announced a PC version of the title.