14 DAY TRIAL // The development team at Rockstar has confirmed that real-world money can be used to purchase in-game cash in the coming GTA Online, but insists that it is introducing mechanics that will make sure this will not create an unbalanced game.
The team writes in an official Newswire post that, “The option of purchasable GTA$ should not disrupt the playing field – and there are a few mechanics in place to help ensure that. All players still have to rank up with Reputation Points (RP) in order to get access to purchase high-end items.”
Real-world money for in-game cash exchanges are just a way for players who are short on time to explore the game world to get access to some extra resources and enhance their own playing experiences.
Rockstar adds, “No one can begin GTA Online and simply spend a lot of money out of the gate to get a leg up. You will have to earn your stripes and play to unlock access to the aspirational clothes, guns and other items.”
GTA Online is designed to create a virtual playground based on Los Santos for up to 16 players and it seems that the team is careful to make sure that player-owned property cannot be easily destroyed.
Multiple instances can be used to separate players who own the same place, and cars and other items cannot be destroyed.
Grand Theft Auto V has been out for two weeks and the addition of multiplayer is designed to keep the experience appealing to gamers in the long term.
Rockstar has promised that there are more than 500 missions available in GTA Online at launch and that a special creation tool will be added before the end of the year to allow gamers to create their own custom missions.
GTA Online is free for all those who have bought GTA V.