Sony defends microtransactions for PS4 racing game Driveclub

Upcoming PlayStation 4 racing game Driveclub will have microtransactions that allow you to use real money to unlock cars faster than you would that standard gameplay. In a new interview with Eurogamer, director Paul Rustchynsky defended the game's use of microtransactions, saying the system will be a "non-issue" once players see how they work.

Driveclub's microtransaction system is identical to that of developer Evolution Studios' 2012 PlayStation Network game MotorStorm RC. Rustchynsky said "there were no complaints" about that game's use of real-money payments, and in fact people said, "That's a great way to access this content immediately," he said.

Sony isn't yet saying how much it will charge for Driveclub's microtransactions, but Rustchynsky said, "We don't want players to feel like we're nickel-and-diming them. That's not our intention." He went on to say that microtransactions can become an issue when they negatively impact the overall game experience, but this isn't the case for Driveclub, he said.

"The important thing about microtransactions is if they ever influence the game design or the progression then yes, there can be a negative influence," Rustchynsky said. "But that's absolutely not what we've done with Driveclub. Progression is quick. You unlock cars rapidly. If you're part of a club you get access to those things super quick."

"The proof will be when people play Driveclub," he added. "They'll see it's a non-issue when they get their hands-on and start to play the game. It's not intrusive. It's almost invisible. It's something we actually kind of hide a little bit."

Of course, these microtransactions are entirely optional. For Gran Turismo 6, microtransactions are an alternate path for busy people, according to Sony. It sounds like their purpose is similar for Driveclub.

Also in the interview, Rustchynsky tackled the matter of Driveclub's 1080p/60fps technical performance, saying, "We think 1080p and 30 frames per second is the right choice for Driveclub. When players see it and play it, they'll be happy with that decision."

Driveclub launches October 7 exclusively for the PS4. A free "feature-complete" PlayStation Plus version will also be available at launch for PlayStation Plus subscribers ($50/year). For more on Driveclub, be sure to read GameSpot's previous coverage.