Why Sony’s Being Smart By Releasing Gran Turismo 6 On PS3 Rather Than PS4

TSA: "So whilst we’d all like a PlayStation 4 Gran Turismo down the line, perhaps now isn’t the best timeslot for it. Get another PS3 game out there, let Driveclub bring in the punters and then allow Polyphony to work their automotive magic buoyed by a huge pile content (that’s likely being built with future platforms in mind) that’s easily transferred over. Yeah?"

[TheLyonKing]

simple; bigger install base

[ArmGunar]

Yep and if Drive Club releases a little while after PS4 release, GT6 won't kill sales of Drive Club ^^

But GT7 will only release in 2015-2016 :(

[miyamoto]

still playing GT5 today....DClub will act like a prologue for GT7 unless GT6 is a PS3 and PS4 game.

[MikeMyers]

It took Polyphony a long long time to get GT5 on the PS3. This will make GT6 much easier and quicker for them. So why waste all that time learning the hardware only to move onto new hardware and start all over again with a smaller userbase to sell to? We all know they will support the PS4 and GT will sell well no matter what time of the year or how many years after the PS4 comes out. It will also help Sony continue to sell PS3 hardware which will likely give them more revenue than the PS4 which might be sold at a loss.

[chazjamie]

i feel as if my ps 3 deserves a proper gt game.

[Spoon_]

Gt5 was so restricted by the ps3 hardware limits now pd has more power for GT6 to do what they really want to do and they still want to use the ps3 instead. Am i the only one WHO looks forward for progression

[Jaqen_Hghar]

A man has confidence GT7 will have a shorter development time than GT5. A man knows PS4 hardware is easier to program for. A studio should have an easier time next gen.

[jimbobwahey]

As a counterpoint to the install base argument, I'd like to point out that Gran Turismo 3 was released a year after the launch of the PS2 and is the best-selling game in the franchise, selling just under 15 million copies.

Gran Turismo 4 was released much later in the life of the PS2 when the install base was considerably larger and only sold 11.4 million copies.

[darthv72]

perhaps sales of 4 were less in comparison to 3 because the diversity of the install base at the time.

Meaning those who bought 3 didnt automatically buy 4 because they had more to choose from in regards to games of varying types.

It was like how the 1st sold to great numbers (11 mil+)but the 2nd didnt sell to the same (9 mil+). Then here comes 3 (the first release on PS2) which eclipsed the 1st and 2nd (almost 15 mil) only to see the 4th sell just slightly better than the 1st (closer to 12 mil).

The 5th still has time to sell but right now it is sitting just shy of the 9 mil mark. The 6th 'should' sell to the same if not better than the 5th as the install base between the 5th and 6th has increased.

But that is dependent on the content and how different it is compared to the previous release. In some cases, if there isnt very much to differentiate one from another, people will tend to not invest in the new simply because they are content with what they have.

although, at this stage of things, it makes more sense to extend the relevance of the 5th game by expanding on the amount of content made available for it. Save the 6th game for the PS4 if they want to try and generate GT3 type of numbers again.

It could be the system seller like GT3 was for PS2.

[SynGamer]

@Spoon_ - It's the same situation as GT3 and GT4. GT3 was OK, but GT4 was simply amazing...and that's because PD built a new engine for GT3 and that took time. For GT4 they were able to simply improve upon what they had already created.

So GT5 is the base (a good base!) and GT6 will improve upon all of that. You could easily compare it to the Uncharted series as well. First game was amazing, yet Naughty Dog some how managed to improve upon nearly EVERYTHING with the sequels. Just look at how amazing Uncharted 3 was.

I'm sure GT7 will be much easier for PD to get up and running for the PS4, especially if their current car assets are high-resolution.

[DeadlyFire]

I am doubtful anything from Sony releases only on PS3 in Q3-Q4 2013.

Sure yea the install base is higher on PS3. Why not have two versions of the game then. A small dent in dev costs, but still overall they should sell exceptionally well over the long run.

Sony could go into overkill with PS4 exclusives at E3. By my count I expect 12-20+ exclusive PS4 games revealed for 2013/2014. PS3 had 20 or so announced when it came about at E3. :P

[WilliamH]

I don't think it's a good idea. The PS4 needs a strong launch title and I don't think there would be a title stronger than GT6.

[listenkids]

I agree and disagree, due to the obvious reason of install base above all. Come E3 we may get some big hits, Square will come out with FF15 or Versus news for PS4. Santa Monica could be working on a new IP and Naughty Dog could always bring us Uncharted 4.

Roll on E3.

[SAE]

Gt6 have potential to evolve. Why limit it when they can make the best sim ever made?. That's why i don't believe this. Sony is smart. Gt is a system seller too so they are making it for the ps4 but they will take advantage of the user base of the ps3 and release it to the ps3 for money and for the users that's not gonna take the ps4.

So sony will win both sides instead of one.

[Baka-akaB]

Even if gt6 was to be a ps4 only title it's unlikely you could ely on it being a launch title anyway .

[EbeneezerGoode]

I agree.

GT6 should be PS4. Obviously. GT5 barely scraped through on PS3 tech, GT6 is unneeded on PS3 with most hardcore gamers going after PS4 asap.

As for sales, sure from a sales POV PD will release on the console that has already sold millions. Doesn't do the PS4 any favours though, seems like a strange move indeed. May even hold a few back from BUYING PS4 because the "BIG NAME" release in on the PS3!

I can't see it being graphically that much of an upgrade, if at all, on PS3s limited tech.

Sony were in a position to actually launch it's most popular franchise at the same time as the PS4? and they chose not to?

The only way I can see that making sense is if there is a 'better version' for PS4, otherwise I feel it's a mis-step as far as promoting the PS4 with a strong launch line up goes.

Drive club doesn't count. Drive club, as good as it may/may not be.. is NOT Gran Turismo - THE name synonymous with Play Station racing!

And what does this mean for PS4 if GT6 doesn't appear on it?? How long do PS4 owners have to wait? As long as PS3 owners waited for GT5? I hope not because that was a big mistake for Sony.

[SynGamer]

Drive Club. Why would Sony premiere the game at their press event only to have it overshadowed by GT6 at E3 or something? That's just bad business for Sony and 3rd-party. Sony is smart. PD has been working on GT6 ever since GT5 shipped. It's been being worked on for the PS3 since day one and PD can now work on improving upon what they already built for the GT5 engine. It's simply a matter of PD are perfectionists and I don't see them building a new engine AND getting the game ready in-time for the PS4 launch. 2014-2015 sounds far more realistic and by then the install base should be well-founded.

[EbeneezerGoode]

@syngamer, well that's not my problem. It's Sony's. Anyone could have told them they NEED A gran turismo to get next gen sewn up from the off.

If they had NO GT6 that wouldn't be so bad? but to release it on PS3 AFTER PS4 is launched? THAT is bad business and a bit of a head scratcher.

As for Drive Club - it's not gran turismo and Sony should know that. (I may even end up preferring drive club, it looks cool but the GT franchise is MASSIVE for sony)

[_-EDMIX-_]

That by no means is "bad business". They released God Of War II on PS2 AFTER PS3 released and it did 4 million units.

What you don't get, is your too busy counting unit numbers and not counting developmental time minus returns.

ie GT6 release this year, and maybe in 3 years we get a GT7 on PS4, vs GT6 coming out in 2015 and no GT6 on PS3 to give the company profit.

GT6 on PS3 = 2 years with engine already made, can sell over 7 plus million in sales, raise install base, comes out in 2013. (mind you all while having another team make GT7's engine, so minus 1 year for what it would had took to make GT7 for the start on PS4) (so..GT7 could come out around 2015-2016)

GT6 PS4 = 5 years with engine being made already after mid 2011 (remeber...how can PD make a GT game with no dev kits?) So...GT6 would be out in 2016 with no profit from GT6 (ie a PS3 version)

Now what needs to be understood, is that they can be making an engine and not even start development on the core game for almost 2 years or so. Now if the team making the actual game isn't make the actual engine....why on earth should they waste the time NOT make GT6 on PS3?

So......make GT6 on PS4 and just ignore they have..

1. An already built engine.

2. They have to make an engine for GT7 or a engine for PS4 so to speak either way, regardless of what happens with GT6, an engine will be made, but not with the core development team.

3. That by the time they are done, it would actually STILL be the same amount of time it would had been had they had released GT6 on PS3.

Look at it this way.

PD developemt tean and PD engine team are different.

PD development team are making GT6 in 2 years (if not less) and can make it in 2 years because the engine is already done.

PD Engine team will take 3 to 4 years to make a GT engine and the PD team will take 2 years to make the game.

ie, GT4 came out ending of 2004, PD engine team spent 4 years making an engine, PD develpment team spent 2 years making a game on that engine, thus GT5 releases in 2010. Now none of this is backed up by anything other then a educated guess. Now even if I"m wrong on the whole teams thing, I'm not wrong on how long it takes to make a GT game and how fast it takes to make its sequal on the same system.

Knowing how long it takes to make a launch GT, either way, its right for Sony to make it on PS3. Just based on that PD is working on a engine while still make GT6 anyway.

also, the only way GT6 is a launch game on PS4, is if PD went back in time and started working on an engine for system that didn't exist. Its not going to be a launch game, not in anyone's wildest dreams.

[jay2]

It's coming because they'res another 2-3 yrs of PS3 life, that's the only reason,

[_-EDMIX-_]

That and there has always been 2 GT's on a PS system and Sony would be stupid to just waste an engine on a single game.

GT6 is a whole lot of money for PS3 and Sony, theres a reason why Sony owns a lot of teams. I'm buying Drive Club DAY 1 on PS4 and I"m still buying GT6. And trust me, GT6 on PS3 is way better then a rushed GT6 on PS4.

[BuffMordecai]

Well this sucks.

[clintagious650]

I do understand your pain but in a business way its a very smart move by sony because what will be the use of Drive Club if GT6 is going to launch with it, that would kill any momentum for Drive Club & would be a waste of millions on a new ip.

[Gamesgbkiller]

Its a bad move if they release GT6 on PS4 on lunch.
I think Driveclub is enough for the lunch.
Wait few more years for the next GT makes sense.
I mean look .. they are nearly the same.

[akhmenhawk17]

but what about dinner?

[Shadow Flare]

Fridge Racer

[shivvy24]

Kaz : RIDGE RACERRRRRR !!!

[Gamesgbkiller]

GT6

[SAE]

Driveclub is not a sim so i don't like how you guys talk like if it will be effected by GT or will satisfy GT fans until GT6 released. Sony can bring both. Why think like that guys?.

Kaz already said Gt6 won't take 5 years like Gt5 . Why people get back to the same talk -.-

[Gamer-40]

GT6 for Ps3..big mistake:(
Weak RAM.

The PS4 needs a strong and biggest system seller. GT7 only 2016-2017?
:(

[Bordel_1900]

I agree. GT6 on PS3 only would be a big mistake. I've been a loyal GT follower since PS1. I promise I will not buy GT6 for PS3.

[Gamer-40]

Yes, i want GT6 for Ps4, awesome "premium" quality, cars, all old and new tracks, weather changes, day/night cycle, Rallye, pit stop animations etc.

This for Ps3 impossible (High quality).

[Bordel_1900]

@G-39

Those are the exact same reasons I want it for PS4. It would be so much better on the PS4, everything from load-times to graphics - to - online features, etc.

- I hope Race rules are implemented.
- Make sure that framerate is stable at 60fps
- Make sure that the shadows are perfect.
- Make sure that screen tearing is not presence.
- All premium cars and tracks
- day/night weather changes on all courses.
- Race mods for all stock cars
- Either full damage, across the board or none at all.
- Seriously improved engine sounds.
- Much better AI
- Improved graphics and physics.
- etc.

Cars:

Ferrari 458 Spyder
Ferrari 599 GTO
Ferrari F12 Berlinetta
Lamborghini Aventador
Zonda Huayra
Zonda Cinque
Gumpert Apollo
Keonigsegg Agera R
Aston Martin One-77
Maserati MC-12
Lamborghini Gallardo LP-570 Superleggera
Jaguar XKR-S
Ascari A10

DTM Cars
More Rally Cars
+++

[Gamer-40]

@Bordel_1900 + 23m ago

Absolutely agree, but this list impossible ps3:(
Only Ps4.

[shutUpAndTakeMyMoney]

stream it..

[NonApplicable]

When did they announce GT6?

[DOMination-]

I was confused as well. It hasn't been announced at all, as far as I know.

I really don't think GT6 will come out for Playstation 3. It's all very well saying that the PS4 won't have the user base, but if you don't release arguably your biggest IP for it, then it's just going to give people an excuse to not bother buying the thing. Gran Turismo is one of the few things Sony develops that really makes people go out and buy a Playstation. This move would be stupid, even for them.

[_-EDMIX-_]

I agree with the idea about releasing the biggest IPs.

So.....PD has a GT engine ready for PS4 in 2 years despite the devkits coming to developers about a year and half ago?

And Some how the team that makes GT's engines is the same team making the core game too?

This move is not stupid, your failed logic is. Its like saying "DAMN MS IS SO DAMN STUPID TO NOT MAKE HALO 5 ON 720 AS A LAUNCH GAME".

So......are we just going to forget that 343 JUST released Halo 4 like 4 months ago?

So..you KNOW GT6 AND its engine where made in a year and a half? I can't stop laughing! Did you ever stop to think that Sony maybe, I don't know, made Drive Club because they knew GT6 would be a PS3 game due to timing and that 2 GT's have ALWAYS released on a PS system every generation?

Also, who said PD was NEVER EVER Going to make a GT on PS4? Whos to say PD doesn't already have a team working on GT7's engine while GT6 is being made for PS3?

What both those teams do are pretty much different things, PD is not just a single person, I don't see why GT6 being made would stop PD from working on GT7's engine for PS4. Either way, GT7 is still going to come out in 4 to 5 years. weather or not GT6 comes out or not on PS3. WHy? Cause PD can't start working on a game with either no engine or an unfinished engine.

To say this move would be "stupid" coming from a person that may not actual know how development works, means nothing. I think Sony knows how to publish games and have been doing so for quite some time. I mean, GT series has done almost 70 million units under Sony as a publisher, and ever PS console has had 2 GT's. After 70 million units, I would think it would actually be stupid to NOT do what they have historically done.

[DOMination-]

Firstly, your comparison with Halo 4 does not prove my failed logic. The thing with Halo 4 is that it came out last year, a whole 12 months at least before a new console is out. That is not going to impact either sales of the next Xbox or sales of the game.

Historically, Sony has released 2 GT games on each Playstation. But all of those games came out before a new console was on the market or officially announced.

If GT6 comes out on PS3, I see the following two scenarios:

* GT6 comes out at the end of 2012. This doesn't make any logical sense for Sony to release their biggest IP and biggest system seller on PS3 at the same time as releasing PS4. Especially as, if you go the PS4 route, you won't be able to play GT6 on it. Imagine having to explain that to the uneducated, which probably makes up 75% of the market. (yes, yes, Gaikai - but that project has only just been greenlit and won't be a launch feature, I guarantee it. And even if it does, I buy a PS4 to play PS4 games, not PS3 games)

* GT6 comes out in 2014. The better scenario of the two in my opinion but by this time, the PS4 is out. Surely Sony don't want people to be going out buying PS3 games at that point. Again, if they just focused on getting a PS4 game out (doesn't have to be a launch title), it will make many more people excited to buy a PS4.

As for engines, and me not knowing how development works or how brilliant Sony is as a publisher.. well, those points are not really relevant to the point I am trying to make;

Releasing GT6 on PS3 at this point is sending out the wrong message to people. Either sales of GT6 or sales of PS4 will suffer because of it.

[a08andan]

Well.. He is not saying that it won't come to the ps4 as well. I think it is gonna be released for both :)

[jimbobwahey]

A release for both PS3 and PS4 would definitely make the most sense, and I hope that this is the option that they go for if they're determined to get GT6 out for PS3.

[pennywhyz]

Its really simple more people will still have a ps3 when ps4 launches.they will make more money.for some reason all ya think these companies support the players when really they just want the money.so ps3 it is and this article is proof if its true its not being smart its being greedy in the buisness world

[shivvy24]

More ppl had a PS2 when GT4 released while there was a few when GT3 released , GT3 still outsold it by 4 million so this " more fanbase " thing is now invalid, GT is sonys best selling franchise and a system seller so it would be a mistake for them to release it on the PS3

[Jamaicangmr]

I dont i think its too late for GT6 on PS3 besides its a different time that the PS2 gen. They could drop a decent update with new tracks and few cars and keep us happy.

Then drop GT6 Feb or march 14.

GT series is a marathon series so while the PS4 Might be at say 5-6mil at that point im sure GT6 would help boost sales to 8-10 by May or June.

Remember Sony needs to convince its PS3 userbase to follow them to PS4 and the GT community is hugh and very loyal. I know i am a part of it.

[TheKayle]

so poliphony can take another 6 years to pubblish gt7

[XeNoStRatoS]

Probably GT6 is already in dev for a long time so it would be too complicated to change the softwares architecture from Core to x86?

[EbeneezerGoode]

It's all written in C++ man! It just a different compiler flag to compile for different CPUS.

Of course they may be using a framework/engine that was tuned already for CELL and would prefer a new one for PS4.. either way. This is a BAD move not to have a NEW GT on PS4 as soon as possible.

GT6 on PS4 would pretty much clinch the next gen war from the off. Sony MUST know that surely?

Especially if it's a much better GT than GT5 (ie no half baked cars - ALL high detail and massive improvement in graphics and physics etc). It would sell systems like nothing else, esp if a pack in!

[XeNoStRatoS]

Yep it would sell systems. I for myself don't care about GT but I know lots of people do. For the C++ thingy I have no idea about progging games / software, so I am sorry for my approach with the Cell vs x86.

[DarkZane]

There is obviously gonna be a prologue version to GT6 like GT4 and GT5.

So I wouldn't rule out them releasing GT6:Prologue on PS3 and GT6 on PS4.

[abzdine]

i partially agree with this article, i think Vita deserves a GT more than PS3 cause Vita is here to stay while PS3 will suffer from PS4's existence.
but at least they could release the wquivalent of GTHD back in 2007 just to have an idea of what it is about to have a GT on PS4 with those graphics

[Bordel_1900]

I still play GT5 on PS3, but I won't touch GT6 if it's on PS3 only.

[clintagious650]

It doesnt hurt to have 2 racing simulators in your library because millions of people enjoy these type games so i see a win win with these 2 titles.

I wish sony would let the team who creates mlb the show create a nfl footbal game like madden, im sure they would do a great job making it as realistic as mlb the show.

[Minato-Namikaze]

EA owns the license to make NFL branded games. So for now no other company can make NFL football games.

[ThyMagicSword]

They just need to put the right bait on the fishing pole, is it that difficult?

[Felonycarclub8]

Remember sony is not going to abandon ps3 so it only make sense plus everyone know that polyphony it's not going to release GT 6 until is perfect and if it was coming to ps4 they have to build a new engine that is based on the ps4 and remember Sony wants to make as much money out of the ps3 especially now that all the other companies are moving on to their new systems, look how much money sony made with ps2 even when ps3 came out, I was still buying games for my ps2 games even thou I had the ps3. Plus I rather see the next gen gran turismo be a full next gen so let polyphony digital do what they do best.

[Felonycarclub8]

Do people really stop playing the older systems when a new one comes out?

[NobodyImportant]

If the new console launches with plenty of games I'd say yes. If not, no.

I've been dying for the next gen for the last 2 years. It can't come soon enough for me.
I want shiny new tech.

I think they should make GT6 PS4 only. GT is a system seller. Customers are going to stick with the PS3 if Sony don't give them a few serious reasons to upgrade.
I'm a FPS guy and love Killzone. I'll be jumping right on the PS4 for launch.
If I were massively into racing sims then I'd be the same for GT6. But if I was massively into my racing sims and it comes out on the PS3 ... why upgrade?

[XeNoStRatoS]

And for me it is the other way around. I have a big pile of shame which has to be played - so I could not care less for next gen. Time and girls are limiting factors as well of course...

[NobodyImportant]

"Time and girls are limiting factors as well of course..."

Same for me bud. Except I look at it a different way.
I don't have time to play loads of last gen games (which the PS3 will be come this holiday season)

As long as the PS4 has 1 or 2 decent games at launch I'll be happy enough with those. Time and life is short.
Do you want to be spending the short amount of free time you have playing last gen games?

If the PS4 ends up having a decent launch line-up, you'll spend your gaming life playing catch-up. Always playing old games that everyone else has finished while we move onto the latest stuff. Multiplayer games (for example) have a shelf life. When the next COD comes out everyone moves on. So even though COD4 was the best one, the people that are slow never get to experience the greatness of it.
I have a friend that loves MW3... and that is because he joined the current gen late. He never got to experience the original and best Modern Warfare.

Up to you. I have kids, hardly any free time. Money isn't an object.
If the PS4 has a decent launch line-up - It was nice knowing you buddy. See you in a couple years.
If it doesn't, looks like I'll be seeing you on GT6 ;-)

[Felonycarclub8]

I can't wait for ps4 first day purchase just like all my systems but I when a new one comes out I don't stop playing the other ones I mean I still buy games for my nintendo Super Nintendo etc games I never got around to play. I love games and I have a family too I don't have much time to play games but I find time even if its when the family is sleeping lol but I like how Sony supports their systems for a long time

[My_Name_BTW_Is_Dante]

Only if the newer system has backwards compatibility. PS4 doesn't so it's worth it to keep the PS3 now cause I don't want to re-buy games that I already have.

[medman]

Am I missing something here? Even before the last Gran Turismo released we heard rumblings from the developer that the PS3 didn't allow them to make the game they truly wanted to make because of limitations of the hardware. Hence some shortcuts were taken. How has this changed? This can't be their official stance. You're telling me they are willing to risk potentially losing sales to Drive Club? Now I know Drive Club will not be a sim like GT6, but it still doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. Of course, this stance they are taking makes less sense with each passing day. The question is, when will GT6 be released? If it's released before spring of 2014, maybe I can understand. But if it's not coming til fall or winter of 2014, they are making a tactical error.

[Tei777]

The ps3 already has a strong line up this fall considering we're at the end of a gen. Take all the 3rd party games (watchdogs/ACVI/COD/Dark souls 2/Lightning returns/Diablo 3) and exclusives (Puppeteer, Beyond:2 souls) and it makes a lot of sense for them to delay GT6 till spring/summer 2014 and hopefully have ready a decent looking ps4 port in the process. This way everyone wins!

[Kennytaur]

I won't be surprised if Gt6 is ported to ps4 next year with improved visuals. And i hope GT6 eill be 720p on ps3, the weird fake full HD resolution resulted in bad performance and effects.

[dcbronco]

I think they should release it on both. The added power and compute power of the PS4 should allow for some amazing driving physics and damage system. Also computer AI.

[Rageanitus]

Agreed, it should come out on ps3 why

1) All Playstations had 2 x GT's
2) They were never really launch titles established games benefit more from established user base
3) higher potential of ps4 having 2 gt's

[Dno]

Sony is only being smart if it comes on ps3 and ps4 if not then its a no buy from me

[Ninjamonkey82]

Its as simple as this Sony don't drop there install base on there faces just because they have a new console on the way. They haven't done before they won't do now.

Add to that PS3 is now the higher earner on the market and is likely to be that for a while to come.

People know this and always have. With Sony products you buy a console you get your moneys worth.

This years releases alone are phenomenal with a new console releasing. Sony has killer apps coming to market for PS3.

I have no intention of letting my PS3 go anywhere. I'll be getting the PS4 on release off course but hell I'll be fighting over what games I'll be beating this Christmas.

That's a mark off quality surely.

[CaptainYesterday]

I'm perfectly fine with having Gran Turismo 6 on PS3 PS4 will have Drive Club which looks very good, when I saw it I thought it was Gran Turismo!

[kingPoS]

Wherever GT6 goes, I go... be it PS3 or PS4.

[ironmonkey]

Maybe their gonna make the prologue for ps3 then the final product for ps4

[a_bro]

if anything, they should port it to PS4, have a dual release, while building a new engine for GT7 on PS4.

I just find it shocking that this is happening, although logical since we get 2 gt games every generation.