Grand Theft Auto V Money

For over two years, rumors have circulated that Grand Theft Auto 5 would hit PC. Originally announced for the PS3 and Xbox 360, gamers had speculated (correctly) that Rockstar Games would eventually re-release the title on new-gen platforms (PS4 and Xbox One) as well as non-console gaming rigs. Still, even though players have been able to tear through the streets of Los Santos on PS4 and Xbox One, the PC version of Grand Theft Auto 5 is still unavailable to gamers who didn't throw in money for a Sony or Microsoft system.

Nevertheless, more than one full year after release, PC gamers are finally nearing the non-console release of Grand Theft Auto 5. The new-gen versions of the game included some fun surprises, most notably a first person mode, in addition to better load times and remastered graphics. While the PC version isn't going to include many additional features, aside from fan mods, Rockstar Games is providing a hefty incentive for early PC gamers who pre-order GTA5 two months ahead of its March 25, 2015 release date - a free downloadable title and $1,300,000 (in game currency).

Gamers who pre-order at any point before the game's release already receive $1,000,000 in-game currency ($500,000 for Grand Theft Auto 5 and $500,000 for Grand Theft Auto Online); however, those who pre-order before February 1, 2015 will be awarded an additional $300,000 for Grand Theft Auto Online along with a choice pick from Rockstar Games' digital library (example: Grand Theft Auto 4 and Max Payne 3, among others).

The promotion was announced on the official Rockstar Warehouse Store.

Check below for the full details, including which games are eligible for the free download promotion:

  • Pre-order and get $1,000,000 in-game ($500,000 for Grand Theft Auto V and $500,000 for Grand Theft Auto Online).
  • Pre-order by 2/1/15 and get a bonus $300,000 for Grand Theft Auto Online and a bonus digital download from a selection of Rockstar PC Games on the Rockstar Warehouse.
  • Pre-Orders can select one digital title from the following options: May Payne 3, Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne, L.A. Noire, Midnight Club 2, Grand Theft Auto 4, Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Grand Theft Auto 3, Bully, and Manhunt.
GTA Online - Shooting from the helicopter

The post indicates that gamers will have immediate access to their free title at checkout but will require a 15% deposit to keep buyers from gaming the system - by canceling pre-orders after receiving their promo game.

"A non-refundable 15% deposit will be charged and the free game code will be immediately provided. Once Grand Theft Auto V is released, the remaining amount will be charged and the activation code for Grand Theft Auto V on PC will be provided via email."

Without question, the promotion will provide incentive for PC players who have yet to enjoy Rockstar Games' latest open world title - especially after 1.5 years of waiting (while the studio worked on new-gen ports). Still, there's no question that Grand Theft Auto 5 buzz has significantly died-down, even among gamers that would have previously jumped at the chance of playing the game on PC.

While Grand Theft Auto 5 is still a massive game, full of zany characters and clever gameplay adventures, the title's clumsy online component has yet to deliver on its original promises - undercutting longterm interest in the package. Fifteen full months after release and original players have yet to see the highly-anticipated "Heist" DLC and, beyond minor additions, Rockstar Games has done little to make GTA Online a particularly compelling destination worth revisiting.

Grand Theft Auto Online

 

As a result, while $800,000 worth of Online currency and $500,000 in-game is a nice gesture, much like the post-release "Stimulus Package," Los Santos money is unlikely to get PC players significantly more invested in - beyond the ability to buy better cars/real estate out the gate. Instead, the real value of the pre-order bonus is that it sweetens the deal for gamers who were already planning on jumping into the open-world story on PC - by providing them with an opportunity to play or replay other quality titles from Rockstar Games' library.

After all, since GTA5 was 2013's most played game, if fans have yet to enjoy Grand Theft Auto 5, and are still interested in the game (despite countless newer titles released in the time since GTA5's console debut), then there probably isn't much else that Rockstar needs to do - outside of actually getting the title released on PC. Hopefully, PC gamers won't encounter any further delays - especially since rumored story DLC is also, reportedly, in development.

In the meantime, PC gamers can start looking over GTA Online's property list to decide what they might want to purchase when the game finally arrives.

Next: Grand Theft Auto 5 Review

-

Grand Theft Auto 5 is currently available for PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, as well as Xbox One, and will release on PC March 25, 2015.

Source: Rockstar Warehouse Store