PlayStation is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and Gran Turismo, a cornerstone of PlayStation’s history, is joining the festivities. Since 1997, the racing series has graced every PlayStation console and even the PSP. For those curious about the series but unsure where to begin, PlayStation introduces My First Gran Turismo, a free, streamlined version of Gran Turismo 7, launching this week on PS4 and PS5.
Polyphony Digital president Kazunori Yamauchi, in a recent PlayStation Blog post, emphasized My First Gran Turismo‘s focus on welcoming new players. “We’ve made sure the experience is intuitive, allowing anyone to get behind the wheel and master the essentials, such as cornering, braking, and acceleration,” Yamauchi explains. “By playing it, users will build confidence one lap at a time, tackling new challenges that’ll steadily refine their driving skills.”
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A Curated Selection of Cars and Tracks
While typical Gran Turismo games boast extensive car rosters, My First Gran Turismo offers a curated selection of 18 vehicles. Although the full list remains under wraps, players can anticipate the return of iconic cars like the Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A (FD) ’02 and the Lamborghini Countach LP400 ’74. The experience also features classic tracks from previous installments, including Deep Forest Raceway, Kyoto Driving Park, and Trial Mountain Circuit.
Immersive VR Experience on PSVR2
My First Gran Turismo supports VR technology, exclusively on PS5 with PlayStation VR2. This offers a unique opportunity for those who recently acquired the VR2, perhaps during the Black Friday sales, to experience the thrill of racing in a new dimension. While the quality of the VR mode remains to be seen, Gran Turismo 7‘s highly praised VR2 implementation sets a promising precedent.
A Free Entry Point to the Gran Turismo Franchise
My First Gran Turismo‘s free-to-play model is undoubtedly appealing. It represents PlayStation’s commitment to introducing new players to the franchise. By removing the financial barrier, the company can potentially attract a wider audience, some of whom may eventually explore the full Gran Turismo experience. The timing of the release, however, raises questions, given the distance from last year’s live-action Gran Turismo film.
Release Date and Availability
Regardless of the release strategy, My First Gran Turismo arrives on PS4 and PS5 on December 6th at 12 a.m. local time, available through the PlayStation Store. This accessible entry point offers both newcomers and seasoned racers a chance to experience the thrill of Gran Turismo. Are you planning to try My First Gran Turismo? Share your thoughts on Twitter @Marcdachamp, Bluesky @Marcdachamp, or Instagram @Dachampgaming!
