Grand Theft Auto Online: What to expect (+video)

Rockstar have posted a lengthy new article on their Newswire page, going into some detail about what players should expect from Grand Theft Auto Online when it's released.

In addition to an explanation of the mode's features - which centre around multiplayer open world activities, including exploration and criminal exploits - Rockstar also suggest fans should expect some glitches during the launch window.

"There will be the typical growing pains for an online game, including but not limited to crashes, glitches, crazy bugs, gameplay modes and mechanics that need re-balancing and other surprises," they wrote.

"Even in GTAV Story Mode, some of you may have seen a few odd and even amusing little glitches out there last week. This sort of thing is inevitable in a massive open-world game and there'll surely be lots more unexpected oddities like this in the Online world next week - rest assured we'll be monitoring and actively doing all we can to smooth such things out as they happen, but we need your help to find them, as well as your feedback to help fine tune all of the game's systems so everything is perfectly balanced."

The expected glitches compound those users are already experiencing, including problems with garaging customised cars and server capacity issues in relation to the game's companion "iFruit" app on iOS as well as some Social Club services.

"We are working around the clock to buy and add more servers," Rockstar explained in today's update, "but this increased scale is only going to make the first few days even more temperamental than such things usually are".

The company also confirmed Tuesday's rumour about microtransactions in GTA Online, stating:

"You can either quickly accumulate cash through profitable activities like knocking over armoured 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.

"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."

Finally, Rockstar went to great lengths to explain that the mode we see at release is just the start of Grand Theft Auto Online. They've got plans for where they want to take it, but they're also actively encouraging feedback from fans and they're planning on using this feedback to guide the direction of GTA Online's future development.

Content planned for release in "the first few weeks" of Grand Theft Auto Online, all of which will be free to download:

The Content Creator: The Content Creator will launch with tools to tailor and publish your own Deathmatches & Races.

The Beach Bum Pack: Featuring four new amazing beach fun vehicles, over 300 new items of incredible down tempo leisure wear and 2 new but not remotely relaxing weapons.

Capture the Flag: GTA Online's take on the classic CTF mode including the ability to make your own using The Content Creator.

Heists: This update will introduce full-on cooperative Heist missions that will require careful planning, teamwork and sharp execution - along with the Heist Planning Board for your apartment

Grand Theft Auto Online is expected to become available on Tuesday, although exact timing of the update (beyond "two weeks after launch") has yet to be detailed by Rockstar.

- NZGamer.com