Avoid them, if you want
The fact that Grand Theft Auto Online has microtransactions — which Rockstar has come out to confirm today — bothered some people far more than I would’ve expected. Considering how ambitious the base multiplayer experience sounds, and knowing that free content updates are planned, it’s hard for me to feel angry. Or feel much of anything. I do get the concern that real-money purchases of in-game currency could break GTA Online. Here’s Rockstar’s response:
“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 economy is balanced differently from the single player economy, and cash earned in one cannot be taken over to the other. Most players will earn cash much faster Online than in Story Mode.”
That said, there will be growing pains. The company is really pushing for feedback in the early weeks of GTA Online — both in terms of technical issues and the direction it should take for future updates. October 1, 2013 will be here before we know it. I’m looking forward to Online more than any other aspect of GTA V. Hope my expectations aren’t out of whack.
Some More Details on Grand Theft Auto Online [Rockstar]
