The Gran Turismo series, a cornerstone of the PlayStation brand, is known for its uncompromising racing simulation. So much so that the franchise has been used to train real-world drivers, one of whom had their story adapted into a Sony film released a few years ago. Gran Turismo, the film, tells that story. Now, the series is accelerating forward with confirmation that a new installment is in development. Though, recent job postings suggest that fans may be waiting several years before they can get behind the wheel.
Insider Gaming first reported on the 18 open positions at Polyphony Digital, as advertised on the studio’s careers page, each accompanied by a descriptive overview. The most prominent detail is the announcement: “We are recruiting new members to develop Gran Turismo.” Kazunori Yamauchi, founder and president of the studio, addressed potential applicants with a message emphasizing the importance of community feedback.
“The Gran Turismo development team is recruiting. It has been 25 years since I began working on Gran Turismo. The player community is one of the main reasons we have been able to consistently deliver a new installment. I believe this proves that our continuous hard work has resonated with players as we expected. We are proud that, as much as we could, we have been able to realize the great plans for the future through art and technology. But it has always been on my mind that we need to continue working to provide players with the best possible experience. I would like to build on the future with the help of art and technology. This message is for all of you who have a similarly insatiable desire to create something. We look forward to welcoming those of you who will contribute to our goals with passion, technological knowledge, and new ideas.”
A New Generation of Racing
The studio is actively seeking professionals for roles including project manager, UI designer, CG artist, and testers, indicating that development of the new Gran Turismo title is well underway. However, the timeline suggests a release that is still several years away, likely coinciding with the next console generation. Whereas a release on the PlayStation 5 is possible, it’s increasingly likely that the game will be a flagship title for the PlayStation 6.
According to reports, the franchise’s 30th anniversary in 2027 would be an ideal launch window, but a more realistic expectation is a release in 2028 or 2029. Polyphony Digital, a subsidiary of PlayStation Studios, was founded in April 1998, according to Wikipedia. The studio currently employs around 300 people and operates studios in Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States.
Gran Turismo 7 and Beyond
The most recent installment, Gran Turismo 7, was released four years ago for both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. Recent speculation suggested the game was even tested internally on the Nintendo Switch 2, though a port to the new Nintendo console appears unlikely. Plans for a PC version of the game were reportedly scrapped, according to reports.
The development of the next Gran Turismo comes as Polyphony Digital continues to refine and enhance Gran Turismo 7. Digital Foundry’s recent analysis of the game on the PlayStation 5 Pro highlights the potential for significant visual upgrades, including improved ray tracing and resolution scaling. Digital Foundry notes that the PS5 Pro patch is one of the best they’ve seen, offering optional features like 8K support and PSSR (Pseudo-Spectral Resolution Scaling) to allow players to customize their experience.
The studio’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of visual fidelity and realism suggests that the next Gran Turismo will be a showcase title for the next generation of gaming hardware. The focus on art and technology, as emphasized by Yamauchi, indicates a continued dedication to delivering a truly immersive and authentic racing experience.
As Polyphony Digital expands its team, the anticipation builds for what the future holds for the Gran Turismo franchise. While the exact release date remains uncertain, the studio’s dedication to innovation and its passionate community suggest that the wait will be worthwhile. The next major update will likely come as the studio continues to fill these key positions and provide further insight into the direction of the next title.
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