Why Was GT5 Delayed in Japan?
As the news of GT5‘s Japanese delay spreads across the web, one question persists: why? Here’s a closer look at each of the three possible reasons:
1. Production Issues
News service Reuters reports that Sony has cited “production-related issues” as cause for the delay. However, if that’s true, this news must be coming as a surprise to Kazunori Yamauchi and his English translator. In his latest interview, filmed just four days ago, neither hesitated to confirm the March release window when it was mentioned. What catastrophic “production-related issue” could have unexpectedly occurred over the last few days to justify the postponement?
2. Gran Turismo 5‘s Influence on Sony’s Financial Reports
Here’s an interesting theory put forth by the Times Online newspaper, whose “analysts” cite Sony’s corporate fiscal calendar to support their reasoning. Personally, I believe this theory has the most credibility – never underestimate the importance of financial statements to large corporations and their shareholders. If it is so important, though, why was this not taken into consideration before the March date was originally settled upon?
Analysts suspect that there may be a strategy behind the delay and that Sony is working to spread the effect of a strong games pipeline over a longer period. The recent Japanese launch of Final Fantasy XIII shifted many more PS3 consoles than expected and performed beyond expectations outside Japan.
If Sony felt that it had already met its console sales targets for its 2009 financial year, analysts said, it might want to push the GT5 launch back a little so that the frenzy surrounding its eventual launch would boost sales in the 2010 financial year. The company may be confident that titles such as God of War 3, Dark Rain and Bayonetta will keep console sales relatively buoyant through the spring period.
3. Worldwide Release and Marketing Decisions
While the misleading Google translation suggesting a worldwide release was discredited, this is still a viable theory. In statements to VG247 and Eurogamer, Sony Europe confirmed that “This information on the GT release is only applicable for the Japanese market,” implying that the North American and European release dates will not be affected. It is also important to note the several different sources who provided GTPlanet with information of a planned worldwide release long before the announcement of the March date established a sequential release schedule. With this in mind, the thought of Sony going back to their original plans looks a little more plausible. Regardless, Sony’s waffling on such a high-profile title is inappropriate.
As you can see, despite evidence for each theory, none provide the clear-cut reasoning we’re looking for. Yamauchi’s comments discredit production issues, while Sony’s indecision and oversight of financial issues makes for a lot of head-scratching. What do you think?
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GT5′s DLC Delayed in North America, Releases October 25 with “Special Bonus” [UPDATE] 
GT5 Update Coming October 27th Newest comments are displayed first.
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January 17th, 2010 at 6:14 am - #mc225
I have heard, its been delayed, because its taken 5-6yrs to make, and now the problem they have is all the cars are out of date ;)
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January 16th, 2010 at 2:38 pm - #FlareKR
How long have we been at these delays.
No surprise to me. Expect GT5 in June 2367. :D -
January 16th, 2010 at 12:03 pm - #Carlos Hellbert
I hope that Porsche cars are the reason for the delay!!!
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January 16th, 2010 at 12:02 pm - #Carlos Hellbert
Hi every one! My pre-order on Amazon.com including FF 13, God of War 3 and Gran Turismo 5 is schedule for march 31. Amazon.com has no information so far about release delay of GT5 as they reply my email about this matter.
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January 14th, 2010 at 3:18 pm - #Sony789
They can release the game and add patches/new cars/fixes content via PSN.
I think something went wrong with the Game Engine and Programming.
There is no reason to delay, PS4 is around the corner,this just makes no sense to me.
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January 14th, 2010 at 2:41 pm - #Wizard Hat
Now PD has extra time to polish things. I bet kaz gets just as annoyed as we do when this happens. I bet he gets creepy Japanese nerds sulking around his home and stuff every time it’s pushed back. Well Kaz now you have time to include skidmarks! Lololol.
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January 14th, 2010 at 1:59 pm - #Raagentreg
Option 4)? PD have found new cars to put in (not fact) and each one takes 6 monthS to program (fact)???
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January 14th, 2010 at 1:53 pm - #Rufus
I think Sonys marketing-employees aren’t taking their job serious. The management should hire new people in their marketing office… maybe some people who are GT heads as we are and do their job.
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January 14th, 2010 at 8:33 am - #yoh
amazon says its September but i think its worse, i think its December to cash in on Christmas holiday rush
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January 14th, 2010 at 6:48 am - #yuukun_uk
@BadFlounder Says:
“Wow. Wake up guy. If Sony could make the profits Microsoft does it would do it in a second and it cares no more or no less about you as a consumer than MS does. Sony doesn’t exist to build great electronics and to “only make enough profit to get by”. They, like every other major corporation, exist to make money and as much of it as possible any way they can.”
maybe Sony should start charging us PSN service? would that make you happy?
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January 14th, 2010 at 4:57 am - #chris
just release the fucking game already, what the fuck, seriously, everyones goin to buy it, so fucking release it!
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January 14th, 2010 at 3:58 am - #OmnipotenceZERO
maybe theyr tryin te’ jump from GT4 to GT6! :P
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January 14th, 2010 at 3:49 am - #yoh
I just hope 3d tv will not be so expensive and the prices will go down fast
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January 14th, 2010 at 3:44 am - #twinspark24
IMO there is one one reason for the dalay- Sony will launch a 3D TV and a week or two later- the GT5. This will boost not only PS3 sales, but 3D TVs as well
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January 14th, 2010 at 3:00 am - #yoh
Well on the bright side at least we are going to see this two best Japanese cars.
HONDA HSV-010 GT
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCqY-vAX4EA
Lexus LFA the most powerful Japanese car and most expensive ever produce
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6SySdNaCys&feature=player_embedde
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January 14th, 2010 at 2:18 am - #Il Venturetto
This ain’t gonna be GT5, is gonna be Gran Turismo Forever
:´( -
January 14th, 2010 at 12:45 am - #wardo
maybe it’s been delayed because well umm.. the time trial was a joke… granted it was to show off the physics.. but the physics sucked and it handled like a wet noodle, this fucking thing should of been a launch title with the ps3 and we should have had gt6 in our hands already….. this is turning into diablo 3, might see it in another 5 years.
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January 14th, 2010 at 12:42 am - #Jonathan
You know its funny. I dont know if you guys recall but Sony has made a simalar mistake when they tried to time release the Playstation 3. Which gave Microsoft an very early lead in sells and fan base. Which Microsoft still has an solid lead even with an slightly inferior system. It seems Sony didnt learn and are making the same mistake with GT5…by the way I do NOT own an Xbox
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January 13th, 2010 at 11:42 pm - #Rhett Mash
As much as the Forza haters would like to point out the flaws in Forza 3, I think the reality is that PD were not expecting Forza to come in this strong. Before you haters start to lash out, that game pretty much cleaned up the racing game awards for 2009 consistently across the board.
IMO, PD definitely want to make sure they can improve on their features and deliver a knock out punch. They may have underestimated their competition. Now they are reacting by taking more time to deliver the answer.
GTPlanet on Google+
What about 3D? Its Sony’ next biggest thing, is it possible GT5 supports 3D and they have to align it with the TV models so we can all buy a new TV as well as GT5?!