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Infinite money exploit plagues GTA Online
Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto Online is beset with hackers flooding the game's economy with billions of ill-gotten dollars. Kotaku reports that a networking exploit leads to "infinite amounts of cash," and that dupers have taken to gifting huge windfalls to random players. This is of course problematic since Rockstar flags accounts "holding obscene amounts of money" during its banning sweeps. The company has yet to offer a comment on or a fix for the issue. Meanwhile, some players have taken to hard resetting their consoles so that the gifted money doesn't save.
Daily iPhone App: Grand Theft Auto San Andreas is just as fantastic as you remember
Oftentimes, older video games are looked upon with rose-colored glasses thanks to the magic, memory-altering powers of nostalgia. I was a bit worried that today's release of the PlayStation 2 classic Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas -- which, upon its release in 2004, quickly became one of the most popular games of all time -- wouldn't be quite as fantastic as history would have us believe. Fortunately, that's not at all the case. Like the rest of the Grand Theft Auto franchise, San Andreas is set in a fictional region modeled heavily after real-life counterparts. In this case, you'll be exploring various cities and suburbs drawn from the cultural memory of early '90s Southern California and Las Vegas. The story is long and winding, touching on everything from gang rivalries and police corruption to the street car-tuning scene. Just like in the original console release, there's really nothing you can't do within the confines of the game's setting. Want to grab a burger, hit the gym, start a police chase or simply take a scenic drive? Go for it. San Andreas is yours to explore, and it looks fantastic on a Retina display. The game is compatible with iPhones starting with the 4s, and tablets starting with the iPad 2, so there's a chance you may not be playing this on a Retina device. But if you are, you're in for a treat. The buildings, vehicles, foliage and just about everything else look quite good and remarkably sharp. Unfortunately, the character models -- which, keep in mind, were designed for the PlayStation 2 -- can appear a bit awkward at times, and this is only magnified by the HD resolution we are now treated to. This isn't anywhere close to being a deal breaker, but you may occasionally get a laugh out of a strange gait or goofy facial expression. Music is another high point, with classic '90s tunes filling the fictional radio stations. There are almost too many songs to even keep track of, but if, for some reason, you want to listen to your own tunes, you can do that as well through the game's custom playlist feature. San Andreas offers a few different control options, including virtual analog sticks, virtual digital buttons and so on. The game also features MFi controller support for devices like the Logitech PowerShell and MOGA Ace, though I haven't yet been able to test this feature (we'll be running some comparisons soon, so stay tuned). The virtual analog method feels the most comfortable of the options available, and with a little practice, it's easy to replicate the feeling of using a proper gamepad. Whether you're a seasoned GTA veteran or you've never touched the franchise before, GTA San Andreas is the perfect place to start, and it's practically flawless on iOS. The game is US$6.99, which is a bargain considering you could play the game for well upwards of 50 hours.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas available on iOS right now, Android and Windows Phone next week
If you've been jonesing to spend some HD quality-time with Carl Johnson on your iDevice, the wait is over. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is available from iTunes right this moment for $7, and is compatible with most recent iOS gizmos. If you want to roll with Officer Tenpenny on a different mobile platform, Rockstar Games tells us that the promised Android and Windows Phone versions will hit next week. Just remember: What happens in Las Venturas, stays in Las Venturas.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas begins assaulting citizens tomorrow
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas will be following the path of its predecessor and making the leap to iOS devices on December 12. The game, which is widely considered to be one of the best of the Grand Theft Auto series, has been revamped for its iOS debut and comes complete with higher-resolution graphics, cloud saved support and custom playlist support. San Andreas will also be one of the first big releases to support the iOS controller framework at launch, which is great since the open-world nature of the GTA series makes fiddling with virtual touchscreen buttons a bit of a hassle. The game will set you back US$6.99 when it launches tomorrow.
Grand Theft Auto Online players start getting virtual payouts for their troubles
Rockstar promised that it would compensate GTA Online players for their service problems during October, and it's (somewhat belatedly) making good on its word. As expected, the developer has started paying these early adopters $500,000 each in virtual currency to keep them organizing heists and racing cars. All the handouts should wrap up within the next two days, Rockstar estimates. There should also be fewer hiccups in the future -- the company is already rolling out a fix that prevents cloud sync outages from erasing progress. GTAO members aren't entirely out of the woods, but the bonus cash may give them a good reason to stay in Los Santos.
Grand Theft Auto creator rebuilds the original game for 2013
1997's Grand Theft Auto was presented as a two-dimensional, top-down sandbox title, but Michael Dailly hopes to rejuvenate the franchise's humble origins in full 3D. Fortunately for Dailly, the original GTA world map was created in 3D. Most players would have missed this due to the game's 2D aesthetic, but a proper 3D map was the simplest method for the developers to show height in the game's buildings, and the only way to allow players to traverse bridges and tunnels. Its even possible to alter the game's code and play through the original GTA from a ground-level perspective, not unlike more recent entries in the franchise. Before you get your hopes up for a new, fully-fledged GTA entry hot on the heels of Grand Theft Auto 5, it should be mentioned that Dailly currently has no plans to implement Grand Theft Auto-style gameplay within his game, nor any definitive idea of what he'll do with this project once it's complete. Instead, his goal appears to be a simple proof of concept. As head of development at YoYo Games, Dailly has been using the company's flagship GameMaker software to rebuild the GTA engine, and if nothing else he hopes his remake will serve as evidence of what's possible with YoYo's software.
GTA Online riches available for cash
Players looking forward to Grand Theft Auto Online, available on October 1st, are probably already contemplating ways to get and spend their in-game funds for the myriad of customization goodies within the persistent world of Rockstar Game's GTA5's multiplayer mode. Well there's a new addition to the acquire list: microtransactions. Eurogamer.net shares a find that was first caught on Reddit, namely a publicly viewable XML file on the game's online store that shows in-game cash cards in denominations of $100K, $200K, $500K, and $1.5M $1.25M for purchase with real-life cash along with a description inviting players to solve their in-game money problems by buying these packs. The prices for these cash cards, however, are not stated. The same file shows items from the special and collector's editions, indicating that this exclusive content may also be made available to all for purchase later. [Thanks Potaco for the correction.]
Grand Theft Auto V pre-orders ship early, Amazon UK learns crime doesn't pay
Amazon could find itself struck off Rockstar Games' Christmas card list after it delivered Grand Theft Auto V preorders to customers in the UK in advance of its September 17th release. Some customers reported receiving shipping notifications over the weekend, with additional reports suggesting the game had made it to some doorsteps as early as Saturday. Games Industry says that the company is already investigating these early sales, although we wouldn't put it past some silent, rogue type like Claude from GTA 3. Microsoft is reportedly banning Xbox Live accounts belonging to those that shared early footage of the game, so if you did receive an early copy, make sure to refrain from sharing your impressive bank heists on social media and video sites until release day.
Sony takes responsibility for GTA5 leaks, Rockstar responds
The leak of gameplay and story details concerning Grand Theft Auto 5 stemmed from a file in the European PlayStation Store's digital pre-order download of the game, Sony and Rockstar announcements revealed yesterday. PlayStation Social Media Manager Sid Shuman stated that the pre-order file has since been removed and apologized to "Rockstar and GTA fans across the world who were exposed to the spoiler content." Rockstar's statement on a Rockstar Newswire post explained it was "deeply disappointed by leaks and spoilers being spread in advance of the game's launch. GTA5 represents years of hard work by many people across the world, and we all couldn't be more excited to finally share it with you properly this September 17." Rockstar also took the opportunity to remind Social Club community members that anyone discussing spoilers or misinformation would "have commenting privileges revoked until well after the game's release." It's nice to see Rockstar committing to providing a spoiler-free place to anticipate GTA5, but we all know how the internet handles popular media. If you're hoping to keep the game's surprises intact, consider avoiding social media until the game's September 17 release.
The Soapbox: That's not an MMO
You may not be aware of this, but Massively is a website focused primarily on massively multiplayer online games. It's kind of what we do. However, the world of MMOs in 2013 is far different from the world of MMOs in 2007, when the site was founded. The niche has changed and the games industry has evolved. There was a time when "online" told you everything you needed to know about a game because there was really only one type of online game. You knew in picking up an online game that you and some friends would be leveling, looting gear, and slaying dragons. It took a while for developers to notice that online play was actually a thing that could work in more than one particular format. Nowadays, online games range from traditional MMORPGs like Guild Wars 2 and RIFT to MOBAs like SMITE and League of Legends. There's no clear definition for what an MMO is or isn't because so many games are massive, multiplayer, and online. Maybe it's time to embrace MMO as a broader term than previously thought.
Rockstar reveals Grand Theft Auto Online
Rockstar Games today lifted the curtain on Grand Theft Auto Online, showing off the new title via a lengthy announcement trailer. GTA Online appears to be more than just a simple multiplayer iteration of the Grand Theft Auto franchise, and features player housing, a persistent world, and player-generated content. The game shares game elements and geography with Grand Theft Auto V and supports up to 16 players co-habitating in their own little online world. Players will be able to purchase and customize vehicles, own property, shape their appearance, and work their way through the criminal underworld, in addition to participating all the random acts of chaos the series has offered since its inception. In Grand Theft Auto Online, players have the freedom to explore alone or with friends, work cooperatively to complete missions, band together to participate in activities and ambient events, or compete in traditional game modes with the entire community, all with the personality and refined mechanics of Grand Theft Auto 5. Purchasers of Grand Theft Auto V will receive access to GTA Online when it launches October 1st on PS3 and Xbox 360 (and not PC). It is unclear whether the game will be available as a standalone product; we have reached out to Rockstar for clarification. Check out the reveal trailer after the break.
Is Rockstar announcing a GTA MMO?
If you've been sitting back just waiting for a look at an online version of Grand Theft Auto, you'll have to wait a little longer... but at least not much! Rockstar Games has confirmed that Grand Theft Auto Online is on its way. The announcement, however, is just a teaser that the premiere of the game, along with a gameplay trailer and previews, will be incoming on Thursday, August 15th. The move to an official online version is not unexpected. Back in January, the voice chat update brought the franchise one step closer to MMO-dom. We've even done an impressions piece on a multiplayer version of GTA San Andreas. And last month, Massively mused on the possibility of an MMO after noting some online features in the reveal trailer for GTA V. But will GTA Online be an actual MMO, or will it just be a multiplayer lobby for GTA V? The answer may be forthcoming Thursday. [Thanks to Dengar for the tip]
Grand Theft Auto 5 collector's editions priced at $80 and $150, coming September 17
When a TV, movie or games series is a big deal, it deserves, no, demands a limited-edition box set, preferably including either artwork or an article of clothing -- something that shows your commitment to the cause. Fortunately, Rockstar's decided to prep two different collector editions for Grand Theft Auto 5 players. The $80 version will include the physical game, artbook, and a blueprint map, alongside in-game ability boosts, stunt plane trials, bonus outfits and weapons. Dial the price up to $150, and you'll also get a branded security deposit bag, logo key, cap and even more extra content in-game. Those who decide to preorder the standard version of GTA 5 will get the keys to an Atomic Blimp bonus vehicle when all the editions land on September 17.
GTA radio brings its broadcasts to iTunes and Spotify
From Vice to San Andreas and on to Liberty City, Rockstar Games has digitally boxed up playlists for eight of its Grand Theft Auto titles which are now available on Spotify and iTunes. "As a service for all GTA fans" -- and to keep them chomping at the bit for the incoming sequel -- Rockstar has curated over 70 playlists from notable faux stations like Radio Espantoso, The Vibe 98.8 and K-Jah. The games studio was limited by the songs that were currently available, so there's a few omissions from both the streaming service and Apple's music store. Once you've got over that initial disappointment, head to Rockstar's site to sample the last ten years of GTA's drive-time listening.
Payback 2 goes free-to-play
Payback 2 arrived on the App Store late last year. It's the sequel to a game called Payback that was sort of a Grand Theft Auto for iOS (before Grand Theft Auto for iOS was actually released). Payback 2 added online multiplayer and a new "custom mode," and as of today, it has gone free-to-play, which means you can now pick it up for zero dollars. The game's seen plenty of updates since its initial release. Just recently, the controls were tuned up, and plenty of bugs have been fixed and extra options added in. By going free, the dev tells us, Payback 2 should attract an influx of new players, which means the multiplayer modes should be well-populated and ready to go. If you haven't given Payback 2 a try, now's the best time to do it.
MMO Burnout: Two weeks in the valley with Multi Theft Auto
OK, you know that guy who's always going on about how bloody awesome it would be if someone ever made a working multiplayer mod for Skyrim? If you don't know him, well, you do now, because he's me. Back before I was bitten in earnest by the MMO bug, I spent quite a lot of time messing with private servers of both the Jedi Academy and Neverwinter Nights persuasions. And when I say "messing with," I don't mean I logged into them, I mean I hosted them, made mods and skins for them, and generally wasted significant portions of my youth serving as a GM. Needless to say, it was a blast, and the thought of having that experience again in a larger game world is just short of orgasmic. Alas, no one has made much of a multiplayer Skyrim mod yet, and while private servers for NWN and Neverwinter Nights 2 are still running and serving their niche communities quite capably, those are topics for another edition of MMO Burnout. I'd like to tell you about something similar that I've been playing lately, though. It's called Multi Theft Auto. %Gallery-177696%
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City hijacking Android and iOS on December 6th for $5
Following the footsteps of its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is making its way to Android and iOS. Rockstar announced today that a special 10th Anniversary Edition of the open world Scarface / Miami Vice inspired sim will be hitting the two popular mobile platforms on December 6th for $5. This spiffed-up mobile port includes updated character models, enhanced lighting effects, improved targeting and fully customizable control options. Technical upgrades aside, we caution not to drive directly against the sun while riding a motorcycle within the game; it nearly blinded us in the original console version, so we can only imagine how harsh it will be on your fancy high-res display. Don't say that we didn't warn you. Move past the break for a complete list of supported devices.
GTA Vice City PC 'temporarily' pulled from digital distributors over music licensing issue
Rockstar has decided to pull the PC version of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City from digital distributors for an undisclosed period while it deals with some licensing-related complications."Due to some music licensing issues, we've had to temporarily remove Vice City PC from digital stores. We'll make it available again as soon as possible," a statement to Game Informer reads. Rockstar hasn't specifically called out which song(s) are at the heart of this dispute, but tells Game Informer this current licensing issue won't affect the upcoming mobile port.Cinema Blend suggests it's Michael Jackson's "Wanna Be Startin' Something" that's the problem, which Sony Music Entertainment owns. If you've already purchased Vice City through Steam or your other favorite digital distributor, you should run into no problems installing and playing the game – unless you do, in which case you'll want to call your cousin Carl. He's real good with them computers.
GTA III for Android hits 1.3, brings Liberty City to the Transformer Prime
Select iOS and Android devices have had the ability to terrorize Liberty City while on-the-go since December, but sadly those with Transformer Primes thus far have been left out of all that fun. Luckily, an update to the game ends that double standard, enabling Rockstar's classic to run on ASUS' tablet and Medion Lifetabs everywhere. It doesn't just bring expanded hardware support to the table though, as amongst other "technical fixes," the release also heralds new video display settings, Immersion haptics support and the capability of installing the game on a SD card. And fans of tactility, know that controls on the Xperia Play have been reworked, and it now boasts full support for GameStop's wireless controller. Still here? You shouldn't be -- grab the update in the source link below.
Newest version of GTA mod brings us one step closer to a GTA MMO
If you're a fan of the classic Grand Theft Auto games (the popular ones, not the older ones that nobody played), then we may have some good news for you as an MMO player. A new update has been released for the Multi Theft Auto mod (v1.3) that introduces voice chat, bringing us that much closer to a true GTA MMO. The wildly popular mod for GTA: San Andreas adds multiplayer functionality to the original Rockstar game, which was released just over seven years ago. It also includes a full map editor, dedicated Windows server package, and everything else you need to rat-a-tat-tat your friends in a simulated Dr. Dre album setting. Sound like a good time? Check out a video sample after the jump, and head over to the official website for more info.
