Gran Turismo
1997 · Racing · PlayStation
Overview
Gran Turismo was a racing simulator of unprecedented depth for a console game. Over 140 real licensed cars with accurate physics modelling, license tests that taught driving technique, and a career mode requiring players to earn money to buy and modify cars created a game that car enthusiasts and casual players could both find compelling. It sold 10.8 million copies.
Deep Dive
Gran Turismo was developed by Polyphony Digital under Kazunori Yamauchi, who spent five years on the game's development. The game's physics simulation — modelling tire grip, weight transfer, and braking distance for each individual car — was significantly more accurate than any console racing game that preceded it. The license test mode, which required players to demonstrate specific driving techniques before accessing certain race classes, made the game both educational and initially barrier-creating.
Developer Story
Gran Turismo was developed by Polyphony Digital under Kazunori Yamauchi over five years beginning in 1992. Sony nearly cancelled the project on multiple occasions due to the development time and cost. The game launched in Japan in December 1997 and became the best-selling PlayStation game.
Did You Know?
- Gran Turismo took five years to develop — Kazunori Yamauchi began work in 1992 and the game shipped in 1997. Sony nearly cancelled the project multiple times due to the extended timeline.
- The game's 140+ licensed vehicles required individual licensing agreements with each manufacturer — a legal and administrative undertaking equivalent to the technical development.
- Gran Turismo's license test mode — requiring players to demonstrate cornering, braking, and other techniques — was controversial among some players and praised by driving enthusiasts.
- The game's replay mode — watching a recorded race from multiple camera angles — was used by racing journalists to demonstrate footage that was visually comparable to broadcast racing coverage.
