Gran Turismo

Gran Turismo

Legendary racing simulation video game series known for its realistic driving physics, extensive car collection, and "The Real Driving Simulator" tagline.

Category
Game
Release Year
1997
Origin
Japan
Tags
racing
simulation
cars
realistic
sports
driving

Detailed Overview Information

Basic Information

Full Name
Gran Turismo
Aliases
GT, The Real Driving Simulator
Type
Racing Simulation Video Game Series
Release Year
1997
Status
Active
Origin
Japan
Region
Japan

Creation Information

Creator
Kazunori Yamauchi
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Original Work
Video Game
Genre
Racing Simulation, Sports, Driving, Automotive

Content Information

Synopsis
Experience the ultimate driving simulation with hundreds of meticulously detailed cars and tracks from around the world.
Main Characters
Player drivers, racing legends, automotive manufacturers, professional racers
Setting
Real-world racing circuits, fictional tracks, automotive showrooms, driving schools
Themes
Automotive passion, precision driving, car culture, racing heritage, technological advancement
Target Audience
Racing enthusiasts, car lovers, simulation gamers, automotive professionals

Characters

Kazunori Yamauchi
Creator/Producer

Visionary creator of Gran Turismo, professional racing driver, and president of Polyphony Digital....

Creator/Producer
View Details
The Player Driver
Protagonist/Racing DriverIndependent RacerVariable

The player character who progresses from novice to professional racer through the Gran Turismo experience.

Abilities: Driving skills, Car knowledge, Racing strategy...
Quotes:
"Just one more lap..."
""I am The Player Driver.""
"Every lap teaches you something new."
character
View Details
Championship Rival
Competitive OpponentCompeting Racing TeamVariable

Skilled racing opponent who provides the ultimate challenge in championship competitions.

Abilities: Expert driving, Racing strategy, Competitive spirit...
Quotes:
"You'll have to do better than that to beat me."
""I am Championship Rival.""
"Only the fastest driver deserves to win."
character
View Details
The Clock
Ultimate OpponentUniversal ForceNone

The relentless enemy of every racer - time itself, always pushing for faster lap times.

Abilities: Relentless pressure, Absolute measurement, Universal constant...
Quotes:
"Tick... tock... can you go faster?"
""I am The Clock.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
View Details
Race Commentator
Race AnnouncerBroadcastingVariable

Professional announcer who provides exciting commentary and analysis during races.

Abilities: Commentary skills, Racing knowledge, Excitement generation...
Quotes:
"And they're off! What an incredible start to this race!"
""I am Race Commentator.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
View Details
Racing Photographer
Automotive PhotographerMedia/ArtVariable

Professional photographer who captures the beauty and excitement of automotive culture.

Abilities: Photography skills, Artistic vision, Technical knowledge...
Quotes:
"Every car has a story, and every photo tells it."
""I am Racing Photographer.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
View Details

Media Forms

Video Games
Main series entries, concept versions, sport editions, mobile games
Merchandise
Die-cast cars, racing wheels, gaming accessories, branded apparel
Books
Strategy guides, car encyclopedias, racing technique manuals, art books
Digital Content
DLC car packs, track expansions, online championships, virtual events
Live Events
GT Academy, FIA Championships, automotive shows, racing competitions
Cross Media Adaptations
Documentary films, racing partnerships, automotive collaborations

Commercial Information

Sales
Over 90 million copies sold worldwide across all entries
Revenue
Multi-billion dollar franchise for Sony Interactive Entertainment
Awards
Numerous gaming awards, automotive industry recognition, simulation excellence awards
Critical Reception
Consistently praised for realism, attention to detail, and automotive authenticity
Cultural Impact
Defined racing simulation genre, influenced automotive gaming, inspired real racing careers
Market Value
One of PlayStation's most successful and longest-running exclusive franchises

Fan Culture

Fanbase
Global community of racing enthusiasts, car collectors, and simulation gamers
Communities
GTPlanet forums, Reddit r/granturismo, Discord servers, racing leagues
Events
GT Academy competitions, online championships, community races, car meets
Quotes
The Real Driving Simulator, Start your engines, Perfect lap achieved
Memes
License test struggles, car collecting addiction, photo mode obsession
Fan Art
Car photography, livery designs, track recreations, racing screenshots
Collectibles
Limited edition cars, racing memorabilia, game collectibles, automotive models
Conventions
Gaming expos, automotive shows, racing events, developer presentations

Historical Development

1997
Original Gran Turismo releases on PlayStation, revolutionizing racing games
1999
Gran Turismo 2 expands with more cars and tracks
2001
Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec launches on PlayStation 2
2004
Gran Turismo 4 becomes the best-selling entry in the series
2005
Gran Turismo 4 Mobile announced for PlayStation Portable
2010
Gran Turismo 5 arrives on PlayStation 3 after long development
2013
Gran Turismo 6 concludes the PlayStation 3 era
2017
Gran Turismo Sport focuses on online racing and esports
2022
Gran Turismo 7 returns to classic formula on PlayStation 5

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