Rockstar has already made more than a billion dollars from Grand Theft Auto V, but this isn't stopping the developer from finding yet another way to cash in on its most successful franchise. Several reports have surfaced regarding the use of microtransactions in Grand Theft Auto Online.
This week, a reddit user uncovered an XML file that contains details about the microtransaction system. The file, which is linked to Rockstar's currently inactive online storefront, references several different package sizes and includes the following text:
"Solve your money problems and help get what you want across Los Santos and Blaine County with the purchase of cash packs for Grand Theft Auto Online. All purchased cash is automatically deposited into your character’s bank account. Spend wisely, cash therapy is fleeting."
Eurogamer was able to get in touch with several users who had been granted early access to GTA Online, and was able to determine the monetary value of these packages. $100,000 of in-game cash will probably cost around $3.19. But for those of you who have very little control over your checkbook, in-game and out, $21.64 will net $1.25 million in-game dollars.
Of course, none of this has been officially confirmed by Rockstar. So, the pricing is still a little nebulous.
It's important to note that GTA Online is freely available to Grand Theft Auto V owners. So, even though microtransaction systems can be controversial, this one doesn't feel quite so mischievous. The ongoing cost involved in keeping GTA Online running will be extremely high. So, allowing users to continuously support the game is an intelligent move on Rockstar's part.
