Rockstar removes the option to purchase GTA$ with real money, as issues with multiplayer mode continue to persist.

As issues with Grand Theft Auto Online continue to persist, Rockstar Games has disabled microtransactions in the recently released multiplayer mode for Grand Theft Auto V.

“For the time being and until we have been able to get everybody access to GTA Online and things are running smoothly, we have disabled the option of purchasable GTA$ cash packs,” Rockstar Games said in a statement on its website. “Players can however keep on earning GTA$ by pulling off Jobs and other profitable gameplay activities rather than purchasing cash packs.”

Rockstar also provided a status update regarding the stability of GTA Online, which has been beset with problems since launch yesterday. The developer acknowledged that there is an issue preventing some players from being able to progress past the first tutorial mission on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Players have been able to get through this bug by repeating the mission, but no permanent fix has been released yet.

“We are working on unblocking this for everyone as soon as possible,” Rockstar said.

General instability across GTA Online was reported this morning, Rockstar said, affecting even those who have progressed past the tutorial mission. The developer said it is working to identify these issues and in turn restore general stability “as soon as possible.”

Rockstar pointed out that it was able to fix one prominent GTA Online bug. A PlayStation Network server issue was detected today that was limiting the number of possible concurrent users. This in turn prevented “most” players from accessing GTA Online through the PS3 altogether. This issue was resolved as of this morning, Rockstar said.

“All of these initial technical issues will be ironed out as soon as we can,” the developer said. “Please know that the entire team here at Rockstar and all of our relevant partners are and will continue to be working around the clock to get the experience to be as smooth as possible, as soon as possible.”

Players who have been able to access GTA Online are encouraged to share their gameplay feedback with Rockstar at GTAOnline@rockstargames.com. This feedback will help the developer in determining how to grow and evolve the service over time.

The launch issues for GTA Online were expected. Ahead of release last week, Rockstar said players should expect various “growing pains,” including crashes, glitches, “crazy bugs,” and gameplay modes and mechanics that need rebalancing.

These issues are “inevitable,” Rockstar said at the time, due to the “massive” nature of the open-world game.

For more on GTA Online, check out GameSpot’s “Five Tips to Get You Started in GTA Online” feature.

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