Curse at loading screens, spend money, and create content in Grand Theft Auto Online

Rockstar revealed more details of their vision for Grand Theft Auto V’s online multiplayer mode. Their latest blog post starts by warning players that while they are working on internal testing and adding more servers to avoid “teething problems,” the first few days of Grand Theft Auto Online may be temperamental. Rockstar explains that server load issues are the reason for the iFruit iOS app and Social Club features not working correctly.

Rockstar confirmed that there will be an in-game store to purchase virtual funds with real world-money. Earlier this week, some cash shop information had been uncovered by players sifting through the game’s files, causing rumors of pay-to-win or free-to-play gaming structure being imposed on Grand Theft Auto Online. The developer insists that the cash shop is a convenience option only.

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 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.

The blog post ends with a preview of some of the upcoming free updates to the online mode. Rockstar plans to add a content creator so fans can design their own deathmatch and race scenarios, a capture the flag mode, a “Beach Bum” pack that will add more in-game items, and cooperative heists that will include a planning board feature similar to the singleplayer game. Grand Theft Auto Online goes live on October 1st.