Earlier today Eurogamer reported that the previously rumored Grand Theft Auto Online microtransactions were indeed in the game, citing a source with early access to the multiplayer mode.
According to Eurogamer, there are four in-game cash packs players can purchase: the $100,000 Red Shark Cash Card costs £1.99, the $200,000 Tiger Shark Cash Card costs £3.49, the $500,000 Bull Shark Cash Card costs £6.99, and the $1,250,000 Great White Shark Cash Card is priced at £13.49.
Rockstar has since confirmed the existence of microtransactions in a blog post, and moved to reassure fans that the game is still balanced. “You can either accumulate cash through profitable activities like knocking over armored cars, winning street races, doing stick-ups or a host of other cash-making endeavors,” Rockstar wrote, in part. “Or if you’re the completely instant gratification type, you can choose to buy denominations of GTA$.”
“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.”
Rockstar also said that the economy is balanced differently in GTA Online from the single player economy, and cash earned in one cannot be transferred to the other. “Most players will earn cash much faster Online than in Story Mode.”
(via CVG)