kazunori-yamauchi
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Gran Turismo 5 Course Maker and kart racing unveiled
Leave it to the makers of Gran Turismo 5 to take all the "cute" out of kart racing. At Gamescom this week, Polyphony Digital is showing off the two newest features of the ever-expanding sim racer: incredibly realistic go-karts and a track editor (which were unceremoniously revealed a few months ago). The track editor, dubbed "Course Maker," is described by the EU PlayStation Blog as featuring "a dizzying array of settings to tweak" -- no surprise there! Actually, Yamauchi and company appear to have connected with reality just long enough to pare down the editor to four selectable themes for custom tracks. Of course, by not sinking resources into a more full-featured track editor, Polyphony Digital came up with plenty of time to expand GT5 in other directions. Did you know the Photo Travel mode you'll never use now supports 3D images through the use of technology you don't own? Don't worry -- you won't miss out on the complete "racing simulator RPG" that's been added. At least, that's how Yamauchi described the enhanced B-Spec race manager mode, which has you coaching up to six racers and their varying personalities throughout a simulated lifetime. "In GT5 we have been able to create what I originally intended," Yamauchi said of the updated B-Spec mode during his Gamescom presentation. The team's even created what was originally intended for GT6: kart racing. And why not? Gran Turismo 6 could be a while. %Gallery-99887% Update: We've embedded a few third-party videos of the kart racing filmed at Gamescom after the break.
Yamauchi: Gran Turismo 5 uses 80% of PS3's power
If you're someone who loves themselves some arbitrary console performance figures, Polyphony Digital boss Kazunori Yamauchi has you covered. Speaking to VentureBeat, the Gran Turismo creator reckons the latest game in Sony's flagship racing series taps "about 80 percent of the processing power" of the PlayStation 3," adding, "the PS3 hardware has a very high peak performance. The better you manipulate it, the better it performs." That last quote sounds more like it's about an engine than a console, which isn't surprising given the amount of time Yamauchi spends behind the wheel of the actual supercars from his oft-delayed game. We seriously hope he's not aiming to use 100 percent of the system's potential -- we'd really like GT5 to come out before a child born today is able to drive a real car.
Gran Turismo 5 dev says Sony targeting a 'Summer 2010' North American release
At a recent press event held for Gran Turismo 5, associate producer Chris Hinojosa-Miranda let slip that Sony is "eying" a Summer 2010 for the game on this side of the Pacific. Destructoid reports that Hinojosa-Miranda wouldn't confirm the possibility of DLC for the upcoming title, nor would he commit to there being any difference (content-wise) between the Japanese release this March and the eventual North American release. Allegedly "details are coming soon," and there's always that demo coming to PSN -- but we were really hoping for the early 2010 release that GT5 head Kazunori Yamauchi had teased a few months back. [Via Kotaku]%Gallery-71410%
2009 Gran Turismo Awards choose 1970 Ford Mustang 'Trans-Cammer' for inclusion in GT5
The 1970 Ford Mustang "Trans-Cammer" you see above will soon be getting the digital treatment in Gran Turismo 5 after taking home this year's Gran Turismo Award honor at SEMA. For the seventh year in a row, a handful of judges (including Gran Turismo 5 lead Kazunori Yamauchi) chose a car from the auto event for inclusion in an upcoming Gran Turismo title. Yamauchi said of the event, "We have been very pleased with the high quality of vehicles vying for the award the past seven years, and look forward to having this 1970 Ford Mustang 'Trans-Cammer' join our list of distinguished past winners as part of the Gran Turismo franchise." The 1970 Ford Mustang "Trans-Cammer" by Philip Koenen follows Marcel Horn's HPA Audi TT in 2007 and Brian Filoteo's high-performance Infiniti G37 in 2008, both seen below in the gallery. [Image credit] %Gallery-77804%%Gallery-71410%
Gran Turismo 5 cost roughly $60 million to develop
At the annual SEMA car show in Las Vegas this week, Gran Turismo 5 creative lead Kazunori Yamauchi was on-hand demoing his game for showgoers and talking to the press. Amidst a torrent of questions from Autoweek, Yamauchi roughly calculated the cost of creating Gran Turismo 5: a cool $60 million. That's what five years of development on a single game has cost Polyphony Digital thus far, an amount Yamauchi says was totally justified in order to "get it right." "We threw away the legacy code from GT4 and started from scratch ... It's been five years from [the release of] GT4, and that's the same amount of time it took to develop the first GT4." And rather than dodging the reasoning behind the lack of a solid GT5 release date anywhere outside of Japan, Yamauchi flatly offered, "That's more depending on SCEA marketing decisions." Allow us to venture a guess – first half of 2010, perhaps?%Gallery-71410%[Via VGChartz]
Gran Turismo 5 making-of video reveals mysterious packaging [update]
It's quite clear to us that Gran Turismo 5 creative director Kazunori Yamauchi knows way more about cars than we do. Take, for instance, this latest making-of video discovered by GT Planet (embedded after the break), where he gets down to the nitty gritty on the inclusion of Mercedes' 2011 SLS AMG in his game. Before he delves into the possibility of the car appearing on the game's cover, he's shown with co-workers handling a box with three disc cases -- one blue, one red, one black. Though he makes it clear over the course of the clip that this isn't the final packaging, he doesn't exactly spell out what these mysterious cases might hold. Millions of cars? Top Gear episodes? Micro Machines?! Our best guess is that it's a Collector's Edition of some sort, though we'd love for such a thing to include a miniature SLS AMG (just sayin'!).Getting back to the SLS AMG, Yamauchi says that the to-be-released car is in the running for a starring role on the game's cover. "The foremost reason is that the SLS AMG will probably be the most exciting car in the world when Gran Turismo 5 is released ... Also, in terms of styling and driving performance as well, it's probably the hottest car around right now," Yamauchi teases. We've asked Sony for details on the mysterious three-case box and will update this post when we hear more.Update: Sony has responded by declining to comment. And now we play "The Waiting Game."%Gallery-71410%[Thanks, Sean]
Gran Turismo 5's Yamauchi: 'We could release it any time we want'
Gran Turismo 5's Kazunori Yamauchi says he could give you his studio's next entry in the venerable racing-sim series right now ... but he won't. Speaking with Famitsu last week (translated by 1UP), the Polyphony Digital studio head explains that while "We could release it any time we want," he's more interested in trying to give the game "that classic GT-style." And though "daily progress is slow," the Japanese developer assures us that "it's still going forward at a steady clip."Unlike the PSP iteration's somewhat lackluster feature set, Yamauchi intends on going "way beyond gamer expectations" with GT5, even confirming the export of cars earned in GT PSP to next March's PS3 sequel. We're hoping he goes way beyond our expectations as well and delivers the game to other territories in a more timely fashion.%Gallery-71410%
TGS 2009: Interview: Gran Turismo 5's Kazunori Yamauchi
During Tokyo Game Show last week we crashed Polyphony Digital's studio and chatted up Kazunori Yamauchi about ... Gran Turismo 6? Wait -- what? Just watch the interview.Selected excerpts below:Joystiq: Are there any plans to bring Gran Turismo PSP's "Party Mode" to GT5?Yamauchi: I'm glad you noticed that. What we really worked hard to make the PSP portable fun and interesting is in those types of details. Obviously, these are ideas we worked hard on and they will be carried over in some form into GT5.In Gran Turismo, with its ten years of history, the people that who good at playing the game are really, really good at playing the game. Of course, there are a lot of first-time players that want to get into the game, and it was a major theme for us to develop the game so it would be easier for them to get into it. With the party races and these game modes we've developed for the PSP, we've come to one solution for that aspect.
Kazunori Yamauchi talks Gran Turismo, promises car transfers
Who knows when Gran Turismo 5 will ever come out? While some are suspecting a surprise early launch for the game, Polyphony Digital's penchant for long development time has us suspicious. In the interim, there's one reason a PS3 owner will want to check out Gran Turismo on PSP (besides the fact that it's portable): the ability to transfer cars from the PSP game to the upcoming console game. That should be incentive enough for collectors to try and "catch 'em all."The video also details the various Ad-Hoc multiplayer modes: Standard, Party, and Shuffle. Although a mode named "Party" makes us Gran Turismo with green shells, the franchise isn't toning itself down for casual gamers just yet: this mode simply balances the playing field by sending more skilled players farther behind. No lightning bolts? Boo.%Gallery-64985%
GT5 Prologue update hits on Friday
As we reported during E3, the next evolution of the Gran Turismo series isn't Gran Turismo 5 – it's enhancements to the glorified GT5 demo, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. Specifically, Sony and series creator Kazunori Yamauchi are all revved up about the roll out of Gran Turismo TV, an on-demand video service featuring motorsports shows from around the world – as well as original programming – accessible from within GT5P's front-end.We've learned that these features will finally hit this Friday, August 1 as part of an update for the game demo. Auto aficionados will be able to download episodes of programs including England's Top Gear and Japan's Best Motoring. Programming created by Polyphony Digital itself – and indeed even hosted by Yamauchi – will also be up for purchase. Speaking of which, SCEA has announced that PPV content will cost 99 cents per episode for the first two weeks of GTTV, after which it will increase to $1.99.In addition to the debut of GTTV, Sony has confirmed that some welcome gameplay tweaks will be introduced via the update. These include improved collision physics for online races (a biggie), more tire choices for Time Trial play, and fixes in penalty judgments. In speaking with Polyphony's Yamauchi at E3, we learned that the next GT5P update will introduce new tracks and cars. No date has been set for that yet. [Via PS3 Fanboy]
Gran Turismo 5 'might not even roll out before 2010'
Were you one of those people that skipped Prologue to wait for the full version of Gran Turismo 5? Get ready to wait. In an interview with Joystiq, Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi stated that the full version of GT5 "might not even roll out before 2010." Instead, Prologue will continue to be expanded upon, with additional cars, tracks and features. In fact, a new update is planned for the "near future." The big question we have though is: will it be free?Perhaps Gran Turismo 5 would wrap up production a bit sooner if Yamauchi and crew wasn't so adamant about filming an entire series for Gran Turismo TV. Have fun driving those Ferraris Yamauchi ... while the rest of us wait years for your next game.
Gran Turismo PSP still 'actively in development'
Gran Turismo for PSP is one of the greatest jokes of the console's history. Ironically, a Duke Nukem game will actually release on our system before this much-touted title ever finds way. It's one of the few titles announced before the PSP's launch that still hasn't come out yet. Ouch.In an interview with Joystiq, Polyphony Digital boss Kazunori Yamauchi explained that the PSP version of Gran Turismo is still "actively in development" and reiterated that the title would not be completed until Gran Turismo 5 (PS3). Of course, considering GT5 won't release until 2010, PSP owners can still make jokes about this vapourous title for at least two more years.
Kazunori Yamauchi: More Prologue, no GT5 soon, GT PSP still coming
We somehow managed to get Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi to slam on his brakes for a moment today and talk to us about his flagship racing franchise. According to the Polyphony Digital boss, his studio is focusing a majority of its efforts on Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. In fact, he confirmed that the proper, disc-based Gran Turismo 5 might not even roll out before 2010. In the meantime, Polyphony will continue to expand Prologue with additional cars, tracks, and features. Yamauchi couldn't speak to specific plans, but mentioned that an new update is planned for the near future.With all of the work his company is putting into the next console GT installment, Yamauchi tells us that it hasn't forgotten the long-delayed Gran Turismo 4 Mobile for PSP. He confirms that the game – originally announced at E3 2004 – is still actively in development, although it isn't planned for release until after GT5. That would be 2011 for those with pen and calendar in hand.
Kid-focused Gran Turismo for Boys could become GT5 feature
It's been over three years since we first sighed 'awwwe' to Polyphony Digital's plans to develop a kindly, gentler racing simulation with the kid-friendly Gran Turismo for Boys. Now series mastermind Kazunori Yamauchi has come forward about the project, and in a recent CVG interview commented that Gran Turismo for Boys is still coming, though perhaps as an included feature in Gran Turismo 5 rather than a standalone game. Gran Turismo for Boys was first revealed in November 2004 by Yamauchi as a way to hook preteens on cars, sort of like candy cigarettes, but since then there's been little said about the effort beyond the occasional footnote to let the world know that the project hadn't been run over. Tykes shouldn't get too excited yet, however, as Yamauchi admits that his team is currently spinning wheels working on GT5, and have little time to spend on side projects. Still, with the game's release about a year off maybe he'll find time to include the child dedicated feature -- and keep us from throwing a tantrum.
Gran Turismo creator on Motor Trend's Power List
Motor Trend's 2007 Power List has been released and a surprised face has emerged on it -- the creator of Gran Turismo, Kazunori Yamauchi. The list chronicles those who make a significant impact on the automotive world. While many of us agree that Gran Turismo is an excellent title that did wonders in the realm of racing simulation, to hit the Power List is an incredible feat. Yamauchi secured a spot at #29, ahead of faces like the CEOs of Honda and Ferrari. The gaming world applauds you, Mr. Yamauchi, you've moved video games another step toward being a fully legitimized source of entertainment.
Gran Turismo plays with our hearts
Gran Turismo 4 is the one game on PSP that can't decide whether or not its cancelled or not. Producer Kazunori Yamauchi recently went on record saying the PSP version of Gran Turismo 4 still exists, and will connect to the PS3 "similar to how a PC connects with a cell phone. I still can't comment though." What does that mean? Will you be able to upload ringtones to your PSP? And why?I hate this cat and mouse game Sony seems to be playing with this game. Considering how Gran Turismo HD looks to disappoint, I might be done with this series altogther. That is, until they finally release Gran Turismo for Boys (that's a real title, I'm serious).[Via IGN]
Dubious rumor: Gran Turismo HD to ship without cars or tracks
Clearly, it's the most ridiculous thing you've ever heard of. In fact, the mere suggestion that a premier racing game would be released without vehicles or courses (arguably two of the most important elements in such a game) is so beyond what is defined as "ridiculous", things like tap dancing unicorns and flying kangaroos can actually gaze at said suggestion through a telescope. That reason alone is worth marking this story as a rumor, though it's certainly not the only one. If we're to believe the forum-posted translation of the latest interview in Famitsu, Kazunori Yamauchi has big plans in store for his beloved automotive franchise -- big plans composed of teeny tiny transactions.Gran Turismo HD will supposedly see release in two versions. The first, entitled Gran Turismo HD: Premium, amounts to nothing more than a demo of, you guessed it, Gran Turismo 5. The 30 included cars and two undoubtedly exciting tracks are rendered in pristine PS3 glory and are meant to give you a solid idea of what Yamauchi and friends are putting together for a full release in 2008. Two more tracks and 30 extra cars can be purchased and downloaded for this version. If you prefer purchasing a full game instead of an extended prologue, perhaps Gran Turismo HD: Classic would be more your speed. Or perhaps not.Though the Classic moniker may stem from the fact that you're getting a high resolution PS2 game, you may distinctly recall the original game actually giving you hundreds upon hundreds of cars for your $50. Not so with this version. Every car and every track may be purchased and downloaded from Sony's online network. The interview mentions a price of 50-100 yen per vehicle ($0.43 - $0.85) and 200 - 500 yen per track ($1.71 - $4.26). Being generous and sticking to the low end of the scale results in $408 spent if you want all 750 cars and all 50 tracks (roughly what you got in Gran Turismo 4). Moving up on the scale approaches values that surpass what you paid for the PS3 (newsflash: a lot) to begin with.Is any of this true? 1UP's Luke Smith points to a more utopian quote (his version actually gives you one car!) by Sony's Phil Harrison that seems to match up with this story: "Imagine Gran Turismo shipping on a disc with one car and one track. And then you can browse, online, a dynamic circuit of vehicles that's growing every day because either the car manufacturers are adding new vehicles or we're adding new vehicles. And you can see a specific-type car that's being called up and say, 'I think I'll play with that one. Let me download and play it.'" Seems more likely that the quote created the story. Until Sony confirms (unlikely) or denies it later this week, consider this an entertaining vilification of the microtransaction and nothing more.
Gran Turismo producer flatters -- PS3 blushes, overheats
A new site has opened up in Japan called PlayBeyond. Think of it as a site for the PS3, where some of the biggest game talents have lengthy interviews about the new console and pretty much flatter the heck out of it. While IGN did a good job of summing up the interview with Gran Turismo producer Kazunori Yamauchi, we can at least tell you what each nine-minute segment is about. Graphics (resolution jump, HD) will surprise gamers with finished products Real life physics can be worked into games, along with hundreds of bystanders watching a race Online network or networking... will turn into something new the whole world can understand and get in on Viewable distance -- able to see hundreds of meters ahead in a race now instead of thirty or so Gran Turismo will change and evolve, sending new car data across the network almost daily Not only able to race against others over the network, a community of sorts will form PS3 as a television revolution, changing what is meant when we ask "what's on tv?" Games and movies are on equal ground with the PS3 -- no more excuses of "it's just a game"... finer details and programming are necessary. (So this weeds out the shoddy games? Hmm.) Yamauchi closes by saying he wishes to change the world with his games and the PS3 is the tool to cause such a revolution Wow! Now that's flattery. We'll have to see how Gran Turismo's latest incarnation turns out and if any of these points are realized. Surely some will, but a revolution? Wasn't there another system claiming to be a "Revolution"? That's different, but hey. Check out the story on IGN if you want a little more detail on any of the points, though there's not too much else to scrape from it unless you understand Japanese and watch the PlayBeyond interview.
