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Gran Turismo (series)

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Gran Turismo is a famous series of racing video games.

Gran Turismo Screenshot
Gran Turismo Screenshot

These games are made for PlayStation systems. They are known as simulators because they try to act like real life. Most of the cars are licensed reproductions of real automobiles. This means they are exact copies of cars you might see on the street. You can drive everyday cars, exotic sports cars, or even purpose-built racing cars. The series is very successful and has sold over 100 million units worldwide. It is the highest selling game franchise for the PlayStation brand.

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Car on Games Convention 2008 (2783441756)
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Car on Games Convention 2008 (2783441756)

Driving in these games requires real skill. The physics are based on how real cars move in the world. This includes things like weight transfer and how the suspension responds. You might experience understeer or oversteer while you drive. Because it is so realistic, players often use special racing wheels. Some even use specialized controllers that rumble to match the car's movement. If you are a new driver, the game offers various assists to help you. You can also go to a parts store to tune your car. This lets you change how the car performs or how it looks.

Sparco racing kit 2001
Sparco racing kit 2001

The series began with an idea from Kazunori Yamauchi. He worked at Sony Computer Entertainment Japan in 1992. He started with a small team of only five people. Eventually, that team grew to seventeen people. It took five years to finish the first game. At first, Sony rejected his idea for a realistic simulator. Yamauchi kept working on it as a side project. After his other games became successful, Sony finally accepted his pitch. The first game was released in Japan in 1997.

Kazunori Yamauchi at Gran Turismo 5 promo of Tokyo Game Show 20100916
Kazunori Yamauchi at Gran Turismo 5 promo of Tokyo Game Show 20100916

There are many different games in this long series. Gran Turismo 2 came out in 1999 with 650 cars. Gran Turismo 4 was released in 2004 and had 700 cars. Later, Gran Turismo 6 gave players 1,200 different cars to drive. The most recent main game is Gran Turismo 7, which arrived in 2022. These games use many different tracks to race on. Some tracks are fictional, while others are laser scanned replicas of real places. For example, players can race at the Nürburgring.

Gran Turismo Sport Gameplay
Gran Turismo Sport Gameplay

This series connects the digital world to the real world. Some car makers design virtual concept cars just for these games. Companies like Toyota Gazoo Racing and Mazda are part of the series. The games even helped support real racing classes like LMP1 at Le Mans. There was even a program called GT Academy. It helped players become real-life professional motorsport racers.

2011 GT Academy Winner Jann Mardenborough joins competitors at the UK National Final in 2013
2011 GT Academy Winner Jann Mardenborough joins competitors at the UK National Final in 2013

Today, it is even recognized as an Olympic Esports sport.

Lamborghini Lambo V12 Vision Gran Turismo GIMS 2024 1X7A2043
Lamborghini Lambo V12 Vision Gran Turismo GIMS 2024 1X7A2043
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🖼️ Images & Media (10)
File:Gran Turismo stylised series logo (black).svg
Gran Turismo stylised series logo (black).svg
File:Gran Turismo Sport Gameplay.png
Gran Turismo Sport Gameplay.png
File:Kazunori Yamauchi at Gran Turismo 5 promo of Tokyo Game Show 20100916.jpg
Kazunori Yamauchi at Gran Turismo 5 promo...
File:Gran Turismo Screenshot.jpg
Gran Turismo Screenshot.jpg
File:Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Car on Games Convention 2008 (2783441756).jpg
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Car on Games...
File:Gamescom 2016 (29041973086).jpg
Gamescom 2016 (29041973086).jpg
File:Sparco racing kit 2001.jpg
Sparco racing kit 2001.jpg
File:Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII - 001 (2).jpg
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII - 001 (2).jpg
File:Lamborghini Lambo V12 Vision Gran Turismo GIMS 2024 1X7A2043.jpg
Lamborghini Lambo V12 Vision Gran Turismo...
File:2011 GT Academy Winner Jann Mardenborough joins competitors at the UK National Final in 2013.jpg
2011 GT Academy Winner Jann Mardenborough...
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