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.

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!