Paris: Gran Turismo Sport announced, offers real-world prizes [Trailer]

With Forza taking all of the recent video game racing hype, we’ve waited patiently for any news of a new Gran Turismo. The last game, Gran Turismo 6, debuted on the Playstation 3 back in 2013 just as that console was nearing its twilight. It was a great game, but our hearts were already with the Playstation 4.

Finally, the series is making its long-awaited debut on the newest generation of Playstation. Gran Turismo Sport, announced by developers Polyphony Digital at Sony’s Paris Games Week press conference, is set to arrive sometime in 2016 for the console. The trailer debuted with an assortment of road and track Audis, Mercedes, and Mazdas, exteriors and interiors, realistic tracks and amazing visuals, but Polyphony has revealed some things that could be much more compelling of an inclusion for the series.

For one, GT Sport will be compatible with PlayStation VR, the virtual reality headset add-on designed specifically for the PlayStation 4. No details about how it will be used, but probably expect a view from within the cockpit of a car.

Thanks to a partnership with FIA, Gran Turismo Sport will include two fully-sanctioned virtual race championships with real-world prizes. Yes, that means that video game champions will be on equal turf (somewhat, at least) with their on-track counterparts. The two championships will let drivers compete on behalf of either their country or their vehicle’s manufacturer. Winners will be awarded monetary prizes for winning, and championships & seasons will take place throughout the year. This is eSports, sanctioned by a real sports federation. It’s as if the UFC decided to recognize MMA video games.

Gran Turismo is no stranger to tying in to the real world of motorsports, as the series’ GT Academy has led to gamers actually transitioning careers into professional racing leagues around the world.

The GT series has always been fantastic, but it wasn’t truly known for its multiplayer. Perhaps this will turn the tide and bring a fresh aspect to the game and genre as a whole. The recognition from professional federations alone could be huge.

No final 2016 release date has been confirmed, but a Beta will be arriving sometime in Spring.

Source: PlayStation