Rockstar has confirmed that microtransactions will be featured in the forthcoming Grand Theft Auto Online.
Gamers will be able to cough up real-life money to grab GTA$ cash packs from the in-game store, which can then be used to splash out on new cars, weapons and outfits.
Said Rockstar: “You can either quickly accumulate cash through profitable activities like knocking over armoured cars, winning street races, doing stick-ups or a host of other cash-making endeavours – or if you’re the completely instant gratification type, you can choose to buy denominations of GTA$.
"You will have the option to purchase GTA$ through the in-game Store. The game and its economy have been designed and balanced for the vast majority of players who will not buy extra cash. There is no in-game paywall and nothing that should disrupt the balance of the game. You don’t have to spend real money to attain the cars, guns, clothes, flash and style of a high-roller in Los Santos, but can if you wish to get them a little quicker."
The developer went on to say that GTA Online’s economy is “balanced differently from the single player economy, and cash earned in one cannot be taken over to the other.”
Gamers can, however, expect to rake in the dough faster than GTA V’s main campaign. GTA Online launches on Tuesday, October 1.
GTA V was released on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on September 17, and generated $800 million in one day. Be sure to check out our full verdict on Rockstar’s mammoth crime romp.
Are you excited for GTA Online? What do you make of the inclusion of microtransactions? Let us know in the comments section below.