The promised online multiplayer component for Grand Theft Auto V is scheduled to launch today, and developer Rockstar Games has sent along some more details to make sure we're all good and ready.

As for the launch time, Rockstar expects the patch rollout required to unlock GTA Online to become available on PSN and Xbox Live around 9PM Australian Eastern Standard Time tonight (October 1st), but notes that the specific timing is contingent on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platform holders making it happen.

Following patch installation, Rockstar explains that players will be able to access GTA Online directly via a new entry in the GTAV game menu, and while in the single-player game, it can be accessed directly "via the 4th (bottom) slot in your GTAV character wheel".

The Rockstar Newswire blog also has some more new information about the general functions and features of multiplayer, including its commitment to avoid pay-to-win scenarios with the recently confirmed introduction of microtransaction.

To allay some concerns we’ve heard on this subject, we can assure you that the game is designed such that the option of purchasable GTA$ should not disrupt the playing field – and there are a few mechanics in place to help ensure that. All players still have to rank up with Reputation Points (RP) in order to get access to purchase high-end items. No one can begin GTA Online and simply spend a lot of money out of the gate to get a leg up. You will have to earn your stripes and play to unlock access to the aspirational clothes, guns and other items.

Please also remember that in GTA Online, hustling to afford the finer things by earning GTA$ doing robberies, stick-ups, winning races and other profitable activities is a fun gameplay experience rather than ever being a ‘grind’. As we mentioned on Wednesday, we will constantly tweak all areas of the game to make it play fairer and iron out any balancing problems (while fixing all the other problems we encounter!), but we really need your help in figuring out what those issues are. So please work with us on that!

Hit up Rockstar Newswire for more details, and we'll see you in sunny Los Santos this evening.