New Update for Gran Turismo SPORT Introduces Microtransactions

Polyphony Digital Inc. announced that the big July update for Gran Turismo Sport is available now, which brings their PlayStation 4 racer up to version 1.23, bringing with it new cars, a new track and, for the first time with this particular iteration of Gran Turismo, microtransactions that allow players to buy existing cars.

Check out the update trailer of Gran Turismo SPORT, showcasing the new games’ features:

“The headline addition is an all-new fictional track, Circuit de Sainte-Croixe, which comes in three different layouts (or six in total if you count the reverse versions). The ability to add decals to racing suits and helmets has also been added, and when it comes to new cars the star is doubtless the Mercedes AMG W08, which took Lewis Hamilton to last year’s F1 title.

A potentially controversial addition is that of microtransactions, though while they’re not live in Europe just yet – they hit 2nd August – they’ve rolled out in other territories. In Japan the prices go from 100 yen up to a peak of 300 yen – which is around £2 – for all cars that are under 2m in-game credits, with the more luxurious cars in Gran Turismo Sport still having to be earned.

Gran Turismo Sport launched last October, and has since enjoyed regular free updates that have bolstered the game’s content.

Features

Graphics
Achieving 4K*, 60FPS, HDR**, with Wide Colour ProcessCompatible with the best imaging technologies available today, providing 4K, 60fps, HDR and Wide Color. Not only has the output been made to support HDR TV signal formats, a True HDR workflow was specially established in order to maintain true HDR and wide color processing from the initial material capturing processes to the final output. The development actually started with the development of an HDR wide color capture device in cooperation with the Sony Corporation.
As a result, not only is the output compatible with HDR TV’s, the images produced achieves a level of realism never seen before, even when viewed on a conventional TV.
Sound
A true to life audio experience, where you can even hear the wavering of torque in the drivetrainThe interior of a car is filled with a variety of sounds, including engine sounds, transmission noise, exhaust sound, road noise, wind noise and more. In Gran Turismo Sport, not only are real world cars are bench tested and recorded in optimal environments, a sound simulator has been developed in collaboration with the audio technology department of Sony Corp in order to recreate an ‘optimal sound’ that even takes into account the mechanism behind human aural recognition.
Cars
From stock cars, race cars to concept cars, a total of over 150 cars have been recreated for the game.Excluding the CAD data used by automobile makers for their manufacturing, the 3D models created for the game are the highest quality, highest precision models in the world. From the curves of the body, edges, spacing between body panels to the headlights and turn signals, every detail of the car has been precisely recreated.
Tracks
From high speed ovals to an urban expressway, 18 locations are provided with 54 different layouts.From popular real life race circuits, oval tracks, dirt tracks set in nature and an urban expressway based on public roads, a large variety of tracks have been provided in game.
The True HDR workflow has enabled the recreation of light and colors that is true to nature, and it is possible to drive the tracks in a large variety of daylight and sky conditions.
Assist Features
High level driving assist features for anyone to enjoyGran Turismo Sport contains auto driving features that allow you to leave the brake and steering controls to the AI. Even those who are driving cars for the very first time can drive with confidence.
The high level driving assist aids in steering, throttle control, brakes, and stability control, etc., and each of these can be turned ON or OFF to match the skill level of the player.
Physics Simulator
The best automotive simulation in GT series history, balancing both realism and ease of drivingIn parallel to the development of its vehicle physics simulation, Gran Turismo has performed technical support for cars racing in the real life Nürburgring 24 hour race as well as the LMP1 class of the Le Mans 24 hour race.
Gran Turismo Sport is equipped with the latest vehicle physics simulation that includes knowledge gained from both the real and the virtual. A physics simulation that is ‘easy to drive because it is realistic’ has been achieved.
And more!“