Grand Theft Auto Online microtransactions, cash flow detailed

Rockstar Games' "persistent online world" bundled with Grand Theft Auto 5, Grand Theft Auto Online, will include an option to purchase GTA cash through an in-game store, the developer announced today.

GTA Online will support as many as 16 players in a single game and allow users to create content, customize their characters and more in an open-world structure. Players will be able to spend cash on in-game cars, weapons and more. Money is earned through activities such as "knocking over" armored cars or winning street races. In-game cash purchases are for those who wish to access content sooner, according to the announcement.

"The game and its economy have been designed and balanced for the vast majority of players who will not buy extra cash," the post reads. "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 post also details planned updates, which include a content creator, heist missions, new vehicles and more. When GTA Online launches, it will include open-world exploration, cooperative jobs, competitive races, in-game sports and a bevy of character customization options. Check out the full post for details.

Earlier this week, microtransaction reports on Reddit pointed to code spotted on Rockstar's website. According to Eurogamer, cash card prices range from £1.99 to £13.49 (approximately $3.20 to $21.68 in USD) and come in denominations of $100,000, $200,000, $500,000 and $1.25 million. We've reached out to Rockstar for comment and will update accordingly.

Grand Theft Auto Online launches Oct. 1. Rockstar currently has no plans to sell GTA Online separately.