We've only had one Game Informer story and a lot of hooplah from supposed XML config files to go on for information regarding Grand Theft Auto Online, but now, Rockstar has finally come forward to give us something more solid.
A new blog post on the company's website provided all the information, saying the online mode will "be something brand new" for the developer with "fully realized and living world."
"The ultimate shape of GTA Online will be determined as much by you, the player, as by the work we put in," said Rockstar. "What you like and don't like, what you play and what you want will determine how the game develops and what it turns into. Everything we do will be informed by feedback from you all - from the types of missions that roll out to all kinds of future content. We are planning for a constant stream of new content, tweaks and updates in the weeks and months ahead."
To get right bown to brass tax, here's a rough idea of what you can expect from day one on:
- Open-World Crime and Chaos: Go on your own or round up your friends to explore the open world together - catch a movie, go mountain biking, hit the shooting range and much more. Want to test the law? Knock over a convenience store, take down a gang or rob an armored truck for easy cash and Reputation.
- Races: Everything from classic street competition and off-road tracks to boat racing on the open ocean, or take to the skies in aerial events. Jump into the madness of a GTA Race, or try out a brand new race type, Rally, where driver and co-pilot work together to navigate treacherous courses at high speeds.
- Sports: Join your friends / any random stranger for a game of tennis, a round of golf or go base jumping and more, all for cash and Reputation.
- Customization: Create your character using the Character Creator - then earn some cash and spend it getting dressed for success. You can also collect and customize cars for your garage and personalize your full weapons cache.
There's also a selection of planned content updates for the first few weeks of launch:
* The Content Creator: The Content Creator will launch with tools to tailor and publish your own Deathmatches & Races.
* The Beach Bum Pack: Featuring 4 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.
Now, microtransactions have been the bane of gamers for the last few years now, and is something Rockstar has taken the plunge into. However, the company was quick to dispel any negativity about the advantages that a large injection of cash could have to GTA Online overall, compared to those who'd rather play than pay.
"The economy have been designed and balanced for the vast majority of players who will not buy extra cash," said Rockstar. "There is no in-game paywall and nothing that should disrupt the balance of the game." As suspected, gamers won't HAVE to spend real money, but the option is there.
"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," said Rockstar.
GTA Online launches on October 1.