GTA 5 update addresses cheating, removes counterfeit money from GTA Online

As expected, the title update that Rockstar Games is currently deploying in Grand Theft Auto 5 will address exploits and glitches in GTA Online, the game's online multiplayer mode. In a post titled appropriately "Taking Aim at GTA Online Cheaters," Rockstar assured players that they will "continue to issue title updates on an ongoing basis to counter the negative impact [cheating] has had on gameplay."

Since the launch of GTA Online, Rockstar has continued to fight against "a small number" of players that exploit the game by "generating and distributing game-breaking amounts of in-game cash, disrupting the experience for other players." As a result, today's maintenance period will remove the counterfeit GTA$ (money) from the game's economy.

Rockstar assures players that anyone who "innocently" received GTA$ as a result of these exploits, but did not actually engage in the cheating to acquire it will not face further action; the funds wills imply be removed and you'll be able to keep any items you currently own.

Those who did engage in cheating and exploiting the game, however, will be subject to "in-game penalties" at the developer's discretion. This could include being placed in "isolated cheater pools" or even getting banned from GTA Online altogether.

"We're grateful for the community's continued support in dealing with these issues and once again apologize to anyone that has had their Grand Theft Auto Online experience sullied by these exploits that broke the game's natural flow," Rockstar left off. "Please stay tuned for lots more news about GTA Online in the weeks ahead."

As I've asked in the past, do you think exploiting or cheating in GTA Online should be addressed? Well, it doesn't really matter because it looks like Rockstar is on the warpath anyway. As for the maintenance which began last night, it should be completed sometime today. We'll keep you updated.

[Rockstar]