Grand Theft Auto 5, an iconic open-world game from Rockstar Games, is leaving PlayStation Plus Extra tier on June 18, 2024, after only six months. This departure impacts players who planned to catch up on the series before the highly-anticipated GTA 6 release in fall 2025. Alongside GTA 5, other games such as Monster Jam Steel Titans, MotoGP 23, and SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated will also exit the service. This shift raises questions about PlayStation's decision-making regarding game availability and subscriber benefits.

Why is GTA 5 leaving PlayStation Plus Extra so soon?

GTA 5 is leaving PlayStation Plus Extra as part of a regular update to the service's game library. This rotation helps keep the library fresh and encourages subscribers to engage with various titles. However, the game's removal during the heightened anticipation for GTA 6 might be aimed at driving more direct sales.

Grand Theft Auto 5, released in 2013, has been a landmark title in gaming, setting new standards for open-world gameplay and storytelling. The game follows the intertwined lives of Michael, Franklin, and Trevor in the city of Los Santos, offering a sprawling narrative and countless activities. Its success led to massive anticipation for GTA 6, which is set against the backdrop of a highly successful franchise with over 200 million copies of GTA 5 sold.