GTPlanet

Since the Logitech Challenge cheaters were exposed, many of you have spread the word and contacted Sony/Logitech, expressing your anger with poorly-skilled drivers who were bending the rules to get ahead.  Now, we’ve got official word from Logitech on exactly what is (not) going to happen.   Chris Pate, Logitech’s Global Product Marketing Manager, stopped by the GTPlanet Forums:

The issue of wall contact is a tough one. While Logitech does not at all approve of cheating in GT5:P or any other game, we won’t be reviewing ghost laps for wall contact as it would add a significant element of subjectivity. As such, there will be no disqualifications or changes to player rankings for racing line decisions. The decision to uphold the game’s own penalty system for this event was made in the interest of ensuring a level playing field for all drivers.

Read Chris’ full post on the issue – you’ll also find his comments on Logitech’s corporate blog where the challenge was originally announced.  This outcome is not a surprising one, and indeed, it would add a significant element of subjectivity.  Ultimately, we can only place blame on the forgiving collision detection algorithms set in place by Polyphony Digital and those who decided to take advantage of them.  At the very least, perhaps the spotlight on this issue will encourage Kazunori Yamauchi to implement more sensitive boundaries in future GT5 Prologue updates.

The Logitech Challenge in GT5 Prologue is well under way.  Unfortunately, though, with thousands of dollars worth of prizes up for grabs, it has attracted the attention of cheaters with no regards for fair play or clean driving.  The first week of competition ended on Tuesday, and GTPlanet’s own challengers are up in arms over the drivers who took the top positions by “wall riding” around the High Speed Ring circuit.  “Wall riding” consists of nothing more than exploiting the game’s physics engine to carry unrealistic speed through a corner without losing momentum.  The only skill involved is simply avoiding activation of the penalty system – a far cry from watching your braking points, turn in angles, and throttle modulation.

Rewarding blatant cheating sets a dangerous precedent for Sony with official Gran Turismo 5 challenges that are sure to follow in the months and years ahead.  We do everything we can to promote clean racing here at GTPlanet, and our members have already started calling Sony and Logitech to make them aware of the cheaters who are spoiling what should be a fun and rewarding competition for honest Gran Turismo fans.  Do your part by contacting the office in charge of the Logitech Challenge at the following address to let them know you will not tolerate cheating.

Logitech Americas Headquarters
6505 Kaiser Dr.
Fremont, CA 94555 USA
+1 510-795-8500
Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm PST

With your help, we can turn these “wall riders” into “side liners”.  Let’s hope for the best.

A new official competition is afoot in Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, and while it may not be quite as good as the ultimate racing cockpit, a trip to the GT Academy, or the Drifting World Championships, you’ve got a much better chance at winning something.  The Logitech Challenge begins tomorrow, and will consist of three week-long events.  The top three finishers from each week will win prizes from – you guessed it – Logitech, including steering wheels, speakers, and more.  Specifics on what cars will be used will only be released at the beginning of each week, but here is what we know so far:

1. “Mid Car” @ High Speed Ring – March 18 through March 24
2. “Sports Car” @ Eiger Nordwand – March 25 through March 31
3. “Sports Car” @ Suzuka – April 1 through April 7

The prizes awarded each week:

First Place: Logitech Driving Force GT steering wheel, Logitech Audio Hub Speakers, and a Logitech V470 wireless laser mouse.
Second Place: Logitech Driving Force Wireless wheel and Logitech Z-5 speakers.
Third Place: Logitech Driving Force Wireless wheel and a Logitech V470 wireless laser mouse.

Of course, if you can’t break into the top three, you still have a chance to win – each week, 5 randomly selected participants will be awarded Driving Force GT wheels.  The competition is only available to United States residents over the age of 18 (official rules here), which should help fend off some of those crazy-fast Europeans.  It all starts tomorrow – let’s hope we see some GTPlanet Registry drivers at the top of the leaderboards!

GTPlanet user doblocruiser is hosting a special GT5 Prologue challenge with a unique twist -- to raise awareness of abused dogs (specifically, Sighthounds, Greyhounds, and Galgos).  There is a 1 Euro entry fee (all proceeds go to European dog shelters) for the challenge, which consists of 5 rounds.  The second round is already under way, but there is still plenty of time to jump in!  It’s actually hosted on German site GTRP, but the language barrier should not significantly hinder your ability to participate.  Check out the challenge on GTRP or contact doblocruiser for more information.

Our own chief race organizer, Sphinx, has started things off with GTPlanet’s first officially-sanctioned GT5 Prologue race competition!  We begin with a run of the 1960 Art Morrison Corvette at the Daytona Speedway Road Course with “professional” physics.  The competition actually takes place within the S4 event in the game, so tire selection is pre-determined.  Other tuning options, however, are completely up to you.  Just remember to save your replay at the end of your best time, and have fun!  This competition is only open to GTP_Registry members.

Click for all the Stage One details…