Take Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick sought to clarify the firm’s implementation of micro-transactions in Grand Theft Auto Online, and pointed out during an investor call that it was about offering a “fantastic experience” to consumers above all.
“Our primary goal is to delight consumers and create a great experience. As you know, GTA Online is a free to play experience and there [are] opportunities for recurrent consumer spending within the game, and no obligation of course.”
“And the reason that we offer an opportunity to spend money in the game is that’s coordinated with a great experience. We are not making decisions in order to extract value, we are making decisions to delight consumers. And that includes creating value.
“Yes, we had some issues with the currency. Those issues have been addressed and we are not really focused on whether the catch-up or anything of this sort. You know as long as people keep loving GTA Online it’s going to be great for us.”
Compared to most free to play games on mobiles (*cough*Dungeon Keeper*cough*), GTA Online doesn’t push you to invest in more GTA$. You have a fun enough time completing missions and working your way to the top without needing to spend a dime. At least that’s what we think – let us know your opinion in the comments.