14 DAY TRIAL // Sony has offered a new statement concerning the microtransactions included in Gran Turismo 6 for the PS3 platform, emphasizing that buying cars with real-life money is completely optional and won't impact the actual game.
Gran Turismo games based their progression on credits earned by players after completing races, allowing them to customize their cars or buy new ones from the virtual dealership.
In Gran Turismo 6, the new title that's set to debut tomorrow, December 6, worldwide for the PS3, players will also be able to buy credits using real-life money via the PlayStation Store.
This method, however, is completely optional, according to a new statement from Sony to CVG.
"It is not required," the Sony spokesperson said. "We do not penalize players for not making transactions (they still have access to everything) and it is completely optional."
"As with previous installments of Gran Turismo, users are able to earn in-game credits and unlock additional cars by competing in races or event challenges."
What's more, Sony mentions that the microtransactions aren't suggested to players during the actual game, unlike other "freemium" titles that constantly remind users they can spend their cash.
"The value of both items will naturally increase as the user completes higher ranked challenges and races, including online. In GT6, users have the optional choice to purchase in-game credits in increments of $500,000 through the PS Store to unlock content faster if they prefer to do that, rather than earn them through gameplay. We do not require players to purchase or use purchased in-game currency to experience or progress through the complete game."
There are plenty of really expensive cars in the upcoming Gran Turismo 6 and lots of users have already expressed their disappointment concerning the microtransactions, thinking that the new title is following the controversial route of Forza Motorsport 5, which caused quite a stir because of its in-game payments.