Hey Lester, want to go bowling?

Yesterday we posted about the Internet rumour that Rockstar was preparing to micro transaction us to death in GTA V online with the ability to buy cash using real world money. Well Rockstar has responded and confirmed that this is in fact entirely true.

But according to them it’s not as bad as you think.

In a blog post explaining how GTA V Online will work they have stated the following:

“You can either quickly accumulate cash through profitable activities like knocking over armored cars, winning street races, doing stick-ups or a host of other cash-making endeavors – or if you’re the completely instant gratification type, you can choose to buy denominations of GTA$. You will have the option to purchase GTA$ through the in-game Store.”

They then continue with:

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.

I don’t really like the ability to buy cash in the game, it just feels like it cheapens the experience but then again it doesn’t look like the cash is really going to change too much apart from it possibly leading to overpowered weapons.

I’d also prefer to be able to transfer my cash from single player to online. I can understand if they wanted to put an exchange rate between the two versions, but if I could rake in the money in single player and then send it to my online guy it would give me even more reason to head back into the single player section regularly and push me to purchase every property in the world… total domination is the minimum expectation.

But more importantly, what do you think? Have Rockstar sold out or is this just the way of the world?

Last Updated: September 26, 2013

1.1
was reviewed on PC

101 Comments

  1. TiMsTeR1033

    September 26, 2013 at 09:49

    There will always be a “rich kid” on the block who doesn’t want to work for the finer things in life. This is just another example of it…

    Reply

  2. Umar Jaeger

    September 26, 2013 at 09:53

    Let’s see if anyone bags on this game for having MT

    Reply

    • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

      September 26, 2013 at 09:58

      Meh. They seem like they are doing it the right way.

      IF their statement about not being a paywall and IF you don’t need to seriously GRIND for hours and hours and months on end just to get 1 thing done without having to fork out cash then it’s ok.

      If however you need to grind for months just to get one thing done then I will have issues.

      Reply

      • Umar Jaeger

        September 26, 2013 at 10:42

        Well true, I must admit to that, they are doing it in a non intrusive way. Still, I can’t seem to agree with the concept of MT

        Reply

        • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

          September 26, 2013 at 10:47

          Look there are good and bad sides to either side.

          What’s good about MT’s? Well the gamer who doesn’t have a lot of time to game but wants to still game reasonably competitive without falling behind simply because they don’t have the time to invest like others.

          Then the flip side, those that buy the advantages because they just can’t play and suck. This spoils the experiance for all when little troll johny comes in with all the fanciest equipment but still can’t do a single thing.

          So yeah. I’m not against it. but not for it either. It must be, as you said, non intrusive.

          Reply

          • Umar Jaeger

            September 26, 2013 at 10:56

            Very true…I guess the old schoolness inside me is just holding me back. It just seems very un-video game like if it makes sense, well I guess it can be a good thing too

          • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

            September 26, 2013 at 12:14

            I’m with you. The old school me doesn’t like MT’s at all. But at least if it isn’t forced on us we can make the choice not to use them. It’s when it’s forced that I really start getting aggro lol

  3. fred

    September 26, 2013 at 09:53

    It is ok , actually , since some people will not have the time to spend 100 hrs in online mode to be able to buy all the goodies from accumulated virtual cash.

    Reply

  4. Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

    September 26, 2013 at 09:56

    As long as it doesn’t turn in to a grind or pay to get anywhere I’m ok with it.

    As for sending from Single player to online… I can understand the reason why they wouldn’t want to do that. Hacking cash and all that.

    But only time will tell. I think they are going to make a killing!

    Reply

  5. Sageville

    September 26, 2013 at 10:00

    As long as I can spend my legit earned GTA $ on everything in the store and there are no “You can only buy this with real money” scenarios.

    It really doesn’t bother me if others use their real money to buy GTA $

    Reply

  6. Admiral Chief of Rivia

    September 26, 2013 at 10:03

    Pay to win sickens me, and then grind to win is so ridiculous that you lose interest

    Reply

    • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

      September 26, 2013 at 10:08

      Pay to win sickens me too.

      Reply

      • Admiral Chief of Rivia

        September 26, 2013 at 10:10

        So I get this awesome little RPG for my phone, loads of fun, but now, I either buy in game cash or grind my balls blue purple green

        Agneeflipman

        Reply

        • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

          September 26, 2013 at 10:13

          There’s only one solution, set your phone on fire… IT NEEDS TO BURN!!!

          But seriously though, I absolutely hate f2p. I hate it with a passion.

          Reply

        • Hermann Schwindt

          September 26, 2013 at 13:01

          For taking your gaming to the loo?

          Reply

      • TiMsTeR1033

        September 26, 2013 at 10:19

        How to you manage to get that jet!!??

        Reply

        • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

          September 26, 2013 at 10:26

          I failed a few times. First few times they shot me while I was taking off, (sometimes even while trying to get into the jet), but then I realised that you have to taxi on the runway till near the end, and only at the last minute take to the air. That meant no anti-air missiles threatening to jam themselves into your skull.

          Now I have a jet! 😀 They call me helicopter bane! I’ve shot down a lot of Weasel News and police eye in the skies lately….

          Reply

          • CaptainNemo42

            September 26, 2013 at 11:38

            You have a JET? What freakin Jet? I wanna JET!!

          • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

            September 26, 2013 at 11:56

            You too can have a JET!!!

          • CaptainNemo42

            September 26, 2013 at 12:41

            I procured a hospital helicopter from the roof of the hospital near the strip club, didn’t know where to go with it. So I parked it in Franklin’s pool.

          • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

            September 26, 2013 at 12:11

            The Captain and the Banana! Rocking it like it’s 1999 in GTA online!

          • CaptainNemo42

            September 26, 2013 at 12:51

            All the way man!

  7. TiMsTeR1033

    September 26, 2013 at 10:07

    Seriously, people gotta start getting crews ready!

    Reply

  8. ElNicko

    September 26, 2013 at 10:10

    Overpowered Weapons Gav ?? How so ?? I mean its not like the guns do different damage (well other than a Bazooka or Grenade launcher to the Face)

    Reply

  9. Rincethis

    September 26, 2013 at 10:13

    MI don’t like this, really. It DOES cheapen the game if you ask me.

    Reply

  10. Alien Emperor Trevor

    September 26, 2013 at 10:14

    Smart business move from them, because tons of people will drop real cash on virtual game currency for the sake of convenience. Star Citizen funding has been rocketing along since they allowed for this & put a few items up for sale on their in-game store. It all depends on how they balance it.

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      September 26, 2013 at 10:30

      See I believe PS2 got it right. You’re starting weapons is just as effective as the weapons you can buy with cash. But you can also be patient and earn enough certs to unlock any weapon.

      Whereas I started playing Battlefield 3 and had no chance at all dying ten times for every kill I got. You get thrown in the deep end and it frustrates you to the point where you either push through for a couple of days,give up or as you put it opt for convenience.

      Reply

  11. oVg

    September 26, 2013 at 10:14

    This game has me by the BALLS.
    I did so much cool shit last night that It all became a blur. The level design is darn fun.

    Going to bed for work is a Bitch. I cant remember any other game ever, that has immersed me as much. Skyrim is halfway there but i did not have the huge grin on my face the entire time.

    I just want to do another mission… just one more… one more after that then bed… just one more.

    FUN AS FUCK

    Reply

    • TiMsTeR1033

      September 26, 2013 at 10:15

      I have the same problem! Late nights catching up, and at work just thinking what i can do next!

      Reply

      • Rincethis

        September 26, 2013 at 10:38

        Was up till 12 last night too man. Gave is like crack.

        Reply

        • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

          September 26, 2013 at 10:40

          Yeah, the last week or so has been a blur of GTA 5, snacks and far too little sleep lol!

          Reply

        • Lara's John

          September 26, 2013 at 10:40

          I hate you all.

          Reply

    • ElNicko

      September 26, 2013 at 10:15

      oh , lets do one more mission…….Cue 5 hours ……..Oh , is that the Sun coming up ?? Oh SHit !

      Reply

      • Rincethis

        September 26, 2013 at 10:38

        You know it!

        Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      September 26, 2013 at 10:24

      Not sure if you’re there(Probably almost done with the game) but I drank some of Jimmy’s kool aid last night. LOL

      Reply

      • oVg

        September 26, 2013 at 10:35

        51% at 30hours 39 main missions

        I got a little side tracked after meeting Lassie the dog ROFL and ended up learning how to parachute for a couple of hours 🙂
        But Im sure there is so much MORE cool shit coming up.

        Reply

        • Rincethis

          September 26, 2013 at 10:39

          How do you get the parachute? Won’t let me buy it yet…

          Reply

          • oVg

            September 26, 2013 at 10:42

            You have to do the ? missions to unlock activities.

          • Rincethis

            September 26, 2013 at 10:43

            Ah, I’m too busy running around assassinating people. Was weird, there was an assassination mission where you are told buy these stocks, but the damn thing wasn’t listed. Also, how do you destroy competitive fastfood joints?

          • oVg

            September 26, 2013 at 10:47

            It was listed It was Debonaire. Just as the countdown started to kill the Jurors for the Redwood tobacco trail I pumped 200 000 into the shares. After the mission I gained 180 000.

            Spent it all on CAR ARMOR ;P

          • Rincethis

            September 26, 2013 at 10:49

            I got that one, I mean the Fruit one, never was listed…

          • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

            September 26, 2013 at 10:52

            Check the BAWSAQ listing, the two exchanges are different.

          • Rincethis

            September 26, 2013 at 10:53

            It keeps telling me it’s down… Have always wondered why it’s there!

          • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

            September 26, 2013 at 10:58

            It’s the user one, it tracks how other people are investing and is supposed to change real time. I guess their servers are still iffy. But check every once in a while because there’s a bigger selection on the BAWSAQ.

          • Anon

            September 26, 2013 at 13:41

            You have to be signed in online. So either PSN or xbox live. No internet = no BAWSAQ

          • mrmagik007

            September 30, 2013 at 07:30

            if you aren’t signed into the psn it will always say bawsaq is down because its powered by the rockstar game social club

          • Rincethis

            September 30, 2013 at 08:53

            I can’t sign into psn as I’m on Xbox 🙂 But I think you are right, though I am always logged into Xboxlive… Seems to be working now! Now I’m able to lose money like a BOSS!

          • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

            September 26, 2013 at 10:52

            You have to check if they’re not listed on the BAWSAQ instead of the Liberty City exchange.

          • anon

            September 26, 2013 at 13:43

            As far as I know you can destroy the fast food delivery trucks… not sure of any other way.

          • Mike

            September 26, 2013 at 13:45

            All the stocks are listed. Either on the LCN or BAWSAQ (not sure about the spelling)
            Some you buy before the mission, some after.

    • Lara's John

      September 26, 2013 at 10:27

      I haven’t had a game like that for a while now.

      Reply

  12. Hammersteyn

    September 26, 2013 at 10:16

    It’s the way of the world unfortunately. If people didn’t use microtransactions we wouldn’t have this issue, that being said I wouldn’t bother spending a single cent on it. Play the game and earn the money. Isn’t that the whole point?

    All this does is rob the person from having fun playing the game by enabling him to shortcut his way to the top.So spending money on a game you bought already is rather retarded.

    Reply

    • oVg

      September 26, 2013 at 10:19

      I agree. Good players should be rewarded. Everybody starts on 0 PAR.
      Micro transactions is another word for CHEAT.

      Reply

      • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

        September 26, 2013 at 10:27

        Horse armour is fail! That’s all I’m going to say about this nonsense.

        Reply

        • oVg

          September 26, 2013 at 10:40

          Sigh times have changed. Used to be a day when we got rewarded for our hard work. Now we have to pay for skins, levels, endings and weapons.

          (In Trevor’s voice)

          I BLAME THAT FCCCCKKKKING HORSE MAN!!

          Reply

          • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

            September 26, 2013 at 10:41

            (in a Trevor voice) And now that damn horse is being jammed up our asses!

  13. TiMsTeR1033

    September 26, 2013 at 10:28

    On another note, we gotta get some crews together! the one on Rockstar social club doesn’t even seem legit! I mean I don’t know about you guys, but I am looking forward as hell to Gta online and esp to play in Crews with some of you guys. An update or create a new crew would be sweet!

    Reply

    • Sageville

      September 26, 2013 at 10:37

      Agreed

      Reply

    • ToshZA

      September 26, 2013 at 10:38

      There is in fact a Lazygamer crew already established. Ask Gavin.

      Reply

      • TiMsTeR1033

        September 26, 2013 at 10:42

        It appears old though..

        Reply

    • Rincethis

      September 26, 2013 at 10:40

      Oi, I’ve already formed one, join it already!

      Reply

      • ToshZA

        September 26, 2013 at 10:40

        or that 🙂

        Reply

      • TiMsTeR1033

        September 26, 2013 at 10:43

        What’s it called?

        Reply

        • Rincethis

          September 26, 2013 at 10:47

          You know! The Southern Massifs Edit: LOL. OI, you’re using OVG’s avatar, now I am confused!

          Reply

          • TiMsTeR1033

            September 26, 2013 at 10:48

            You pulling my leg here?

          • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

            September 26, 2013 at 10:54

            MASSIFS! The South side is da best!!

          • TiMsTeR1033

            September 26, 2013 at 10:55

            Eish…

          • Rincethis

            September 26, 2013 at 11:00

            Oi, I sent you a request as well! Grrr, wot, nat gud nuff for yu?!

          • TiMsTeR1033

            September 26, 2013 at 11:05

            What is your crew called?

          • Rincethis

            September 26, 2013 at 11:11

            The Southern Massifs, the tag is SOMA

          • Tidycpc

            September 26, 2013 at 11:21

            invite send

          • TiMsTeR1033

            September 26, 2013 at 11:37

            Now all you gotta do is accept my request

          • TiMsTeR1033

            September 26, 2013 at 10:59

            Mine is custom!

      • That Happy Twit

        September 26, 2013 at 10:44

        When I one day have internet & GTA V, I will join you guys.

        Reply

  14. Ultimo_Cleric N7

    September 26, 2013 at 10:30

    Welcome to the future…..where cash makes you a “better gamer”. Micro transactions are here to stay…..sad but true.

    Reply

  15. HeniQpotter

    September 26, 2013 at 10:34

    Only thing that bohers me about this is that on GTA IV you were able to gain money for killing someone in MP, and you would lose cash if you died. Playing with “real” money, and being able to “rob” someone online….. Is that even legal? lol.

    Reply

    • Timothy Spydah Webb

      September 26, 2013 at 18:36

      Don’t ride around with the in game cash that you paid for. Problem solved.

      They can only rob you for what’s in your actual pockets…not what’s in the bank.

      Reply

  16. Yep you are wrong! Shush

    September 26, 2013 at 10:34

    All this hate for microtransactions – you have to realise companies exist to make money and all they are doing it trying to make a much as possible. I personally wont waste money on them (and only buy really good DLC) but who really cares, what’s your time worth as opposed to paying for something to get it quicker?

    Reply

    • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

      September 26, 2013 at 11:02

      There are sound business practices and then there’s plain old greed! Microtransactions could pay for server and hosting costs. That’s why I have no problem with it in Guild Wars 2, but for a title like GTA 5 – that’s already passed the billion dollar mark it’s just plain greediness..

      Reply

      • SaintsRowLee

        September 26, 2013 at 11:57

        No to mention the already hefty price tag GTA V comes with…

        Reply

      • GalacticLordCaptainAwesomeness

        September 26, 2013 at 12:00

        The sad part is that the same people that spent a Billion in the first week, will fork out more money for their Crack.

        As you rightly say, nickel and diming it for SP games to milk every single cent you can (Saints Row 4, now GTA V) is a quick way to lose customers. I already paid 2babies, both arms and a leg to get the game to play Single Player, not you want to grab the other leg? Nah man…

        MMO’s definitely… hence the monthly subscription to pay for server space, maintenance etc…. that I understand… But a Billion in a week, and you still want more?

        Reply

        • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

          September 26, 2013 at 12:10

          Rockstar has announced some interesting features, but (and this is even though they’re one of my favourite developers alongside Naughty Dog)…. I’m a perpetual sceptic – especially when it comes to games and money.

          I’m yet to see a title where DLC has not been a cash-and-grab. What you pay and what you get out of it, in relation to the cost of the title is definitely not worth it.

          Reply

      • Timothy Spydah Webb

        September 26, 2013 at 18:35

        I only think it’s greedy if they were forcing us to pay for items we can’t unlock freely like say Saints Row does with their DLCs.

        Since we all can get this content free of charge in GTAV it’s not foul and they get an opportunity to make more money for their hard work from the ‘richer kids’.

        Reply

  17. Sven

    September 26, 2013 at 11:03

    One does realise that this is a better system, as it eliminates a paywall? A paywall would be content locked behind a wall, obviously, and an example of that is paid DLC. That would in fact be WORSE what the system is now, it would mean you have to pay for DLC to have some new weapons, but guess what with the new system? All DLC is free for everyone, which means everyone can get everything, it’s not behind a wall, as it would’ve been with paid DLC. This way of doing it is actually better, or would you rather sit behind an actual DLC paywall? Lazygamer, what is up with your shoddy journalism that you don’t even do enough research and depth?

    Reply

    • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

      September 26, 2013 at 11:06

      And how do you know this exactly? How do you know that there isn’t a paywall? Are you from the Future? Are you playing GTA Online?

      Reply

      • Yep you are wrong! Shush

        September 26, 2013 at 11:37

        “There is no in-game paywall and nothing that should disrupt the balance of the game” from Rockstar… so I do not think he needs to be from the future. Relax a little…

        Reply

        • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

          September 26, 2013 at 11:58

          (In a trevor voice) I will not relax, and just because you said I should relax, i’m going to run over a bunch of pedestrians.

          But seriously though, Rockstar has been mum on this. There hasn’t been a statement to confirm or deny whether you will have a paywall. So for Sven to insist that there isn’t, makes me wonder if he’s from the future. Rockstar is probably seeing what the reaction is, and only at the last minute will try to spin it.

          Reply

  18. CypherGate

    September 26, 2013 at 11:29

    In-app purchases can never balance gameplay out. The richer kid will always have the advantage of money. So competition just deteriorates to the point where having more money will ultimately gain you wins instead of skill. Way of the world? Most probably. Especially for the big ambitious franchises. Sad but true. Gaming starting to look less and less fun the more i hear about in-app purchases.

    Reply

  19. Avithar

    September 26, 2013 at 11:45

    if i do play online … all the rich kids that bought cash using real cash i will show how it should be spent lol

    Reply

    • SaintsRowLee

      September 26, 2013 at 11:47

      Why? Are you going to the be the in game hooker? 🙂

      Reply

      • Avithar

        September 26, 2013 at 11:49

        haha bet you would love that, but i am more of the trevor type of guy… so having said that i will be taking you to the cleaners first lol

        Reply

        • SaintsRowLee

          September 26, 2013 at 11:56

          Ag no. If I am looking for hookers I do not play no games!

          Reply

  20. SaintsRowLee

    September 26, 2013 at 11:46

    Isn’t this just a paid for version of dropping to console, typing in motherlode and hitting enter?
    And while I hate World of Warcraft for the amount of hours I had lost in that black hole, at least they did it right.
    You saw some dude walking with the Axe of Pratchett’s Wit and the Shield of Sauron’s Ass Cheeks you know that guy went through something epic to EARN THAT SHIT!

    Reply

    • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

      September 26, 2013 at 11:59

      Exactly!

      Reply

    • GalacticLordCaptainAwesomeness

      September 26, 2013 at 12:03

      Ha Ha Shield of Sauron’s Ass Cheeks…. EPIC….

      Before the Excessive gold buying on WOW, as you rightly say, working and grinding your ass off to Get those Purples, enchant them, gem them etc…. had a sense of Achievement… made you come back for more… Just one more run… maybe it’ll drop this time…

      Reply

  21. oVg

    September 26, 2013 at 12:56

    Is it me? when Franklin talks over the radio he sounds exactly like CJ?

    Reply

  22. Brian Murphy

    September 26, 2013 at 18:15

    As long as everything they’re charging for is available in-game through actual work, i’m down with it. They should have a ‘shaming’ trophy though, to point out everyone who takes the easy route. And yes, I think shame is warranted. The instant gratification generation needs to see some repercussions for their sloth.

    Reply

    • Datignantmofo

      October 9, 2013 at 17:24

      they wouldnt do that, they want people to pay for fake cash. If anything they’ll try to shame the people that dont, by making missions worth nothing.

      Reply

  23. Mathias

    September 26, 2013 at 21:23

    For god’s sake, if it doesn’t ruin your PvP game modes, you really shouldn’t give a shit. When it really does, then whine all you want, because you’d be right.

    Until then, fuck off.

    Reply

  24. Kakka Pökäle

    October 6, 2013 at 23:36

    You shouldnt buy stuff with real cash.. i did so and they deleted all the stuff..

    Reply

  25. Dale

    October 11, 2013 at 12:18

    You still have to be certain ranks to unlock new weapons and win races to unlock car upgrades. As far as I’m concerned, it’s only cheapening the experience for whoever is paying for in-game money. If they want to own the most expensive apartment and car, who cares.

    And being able to transfer money from single player to online is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard…

    Reply

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