Will You Import Gran Turismo 5 from Japan?
November 23rd, 2009 by Jordan
Thanks to the PlayStation 3’s ability to play games from any region, when GT5 Prologue was released many GTPlanet users didn’t hesitate to import the game in December of 2007. Although the language difference made it tricky at times (our Japanese users were extremely helpful in offering translations for the menus and buttons), importers got to play the game three full months before Europe and four months before North America. Given the high anticipation of Gran Turismo 5, how many of you out there will bite the bullet and order a copy from Japan? The eventual release date for your native region will obviously make a difference, but let’s say it’s more than a month or two away – then what would you do?
I’ve set up a poll here in our forums, and I am curious to see how this turns out. What do you think?
| Recent Posts |
November 23rd, 2009 at 3:05 am
I think if it was under a month I could probably wait… but anymore and I’ll start turning insane xD
Maybe learning Japanese at school could be useful for something!!!
November 23rd, 2009 at 3:12 am
What if it was already in English, as Bayonetta? Without the region lock, games should have a language selection, and only one international version.
November 23rd, 2009 at 3:12 am
I’ll probably import a copy even if the US release is only a month later. And I’ll buy it again when it hits the States.
November 23rd, 2009 at 3:16 am
i have to agree with Klaus. Learning Japanese language is not a bad idea anyway. i will definitely import GT5 from Japan as i cant wait any longer.
November 23rd, 2009 at 3:31 am
Meh. I’m a patient man. I’ll wait for the official AU release.
November 23rd, 2009 at 3:41 am
I live in japan and will buy it when it’s out, but will buy an English language copy when it’s avalible.
November 23rd, 2009 at 3:55 am
I did it with GT4 prologue. But with GT5 I will wait. My life has been a bit busier nowadays: young daughter and time pressure at work.
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:06 am
Good things come to those who wait =]
I’ll try stay alive.
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:22 am
i use2 play metal gear online alot n got da jp version it was alot of fun da good thing was dat everything with it was in english just wat ever da peolpe type was in jp being a jp server but still made me want 2 learn jp anways it would be fun learnin other langueges but with gt5 since i already got prolgue i would wait especaliy knowing how much i wanted 2 play dis game in xmass so 2 get my money pd will have 2 wait lol
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:25 am
I did it from Graturismo 3.
No time to waste even without translation.
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:42 am
And have a game with some scrappy Japanese symbol?
No way dude. I’ll wait. Like I said, BIG BULLS***! Europe is the biggest consumer and gets the copy latest.
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:42 am
I will. I did it with GT5p and this will be the same case scenario :)
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:51 am
I did it with Prologue, but will probably wait if it’s only 1-2 months.
Will be nice to see GTPlanet content & reviews before potentially buying it twice.
If it has a cut-down GT career mode, I definitely wont want to be lining Yamamuchi’s pockets with extra cash.
Fingers crossed for more *official* information this side of 2010…
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:55 am
I’m with Moonman. I live in Japan, if it’s even a month difference I’ll probably buy a Japanese copy at release. Then I’ll consider hocking it and buying an English copy if the language difference irritates me too much.
But I’ve still got my JP copy of Prologue and I don’t mind that really.
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:57 am
I wouldn’t…it sounds like they’re going to try for an international launch. And the PAL and NTSC versions will be out either the same day or a week or two after the Japanese release…that’s one reason for he delay…so US and UK and other countries could finish their translations…but I suspect the game should be complete by January or Feb, then we wait for the Translators and BOOM! GT5 BABY!
November 23rd, 2009 at 5:05 am
you know i reckon u guys shouldnt say ur goin to import it from japan, coz then they might set the release date for everyone else later so everyone will buy the game 2 times!
November 23rd, 2009 at 5:21 am
@ eternal : really hard to understand. at least write it so u get a flow when reading. don’t wanna be a teacher but a min is required at all the forums
I will wait. I don’t have holidays till july, so I rather wait on the european version. If the jap. version would be multilanguage i reconsider.
Still hoping on a kind of common release date (dreaming is still ok??) lol
November 23rd, 2009 at 5:23 am
I will if I get it 1 month+ before my own region release! =D
Well, I’m studying japanese so I do understand a bit and it will just help me learn more.. =P
November 23rd, 2009 at 5:39 am
I had to wait 5 years – i don’t care about 2 or 3 month.
They will not get my money for a “marketing delay”.
They had/have enough time for a world wide release at the same time.
November 23rd, 2009 at 5:41 am
i will import it like always, if the delay of the EU version will be more than 2 month
November 23rd, 2009 at 6:04 am
nah.. I wouldn’t feel comfortable with a game where the language is japanese.
I wouldn’t mind to wait, though I have a bad feeling that EU release will be end of summer ;S
I dont know why, but I think im right ;(
November 23rd, 2009 at 6:09 am
is the australian version going to be released after the US and EU version??
if not then i will wait
and if it is longer then i will buy a european english copy
November 23rd, 2009 at 6:33 am
I don`t really understand why they can`t release it worldwide on the same day. I bet translation is already in progress, if not already done. And there is no PAL or NTSC to care about. Or is this my misinformation and only the PS3 doesn`t care ?
November 23rd, 2009 at 6:43 am
I bought GT5 Prologue day one from the japanese PS Store, there is absolutely no way I’m doing it again with GT5, unless it comes with other language options (like english ;)
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:24 am
I’ve been waiting for this game for around 4-5 years now. I don’t think at extra month or two would matter much, so no, I will not import from Japan.
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:54 am
A month or two?
I hope not. I count on April release in Europe.
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:05 am
I”ll wait!!!!!
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:53 am
If you check it out, that march date is for a release in Japan not the United States. We usually only get our games like 4 5 months after they do so technically that means that we are prolly not gonna have Gran Turismo 5 until the summer of 2010 unless its pushed even further …….
November 23rd, 2009 at 9:03 am
any page to give where you guys import these ?
November 23rd, 2009 at 9:19 am
- I imported Gran Turismo 5: Prologue from Japan back in 2007, and I enjoyed the three months of playing before it was launched here in Europa. – Would I do it again with GT5? – No, I’m gonna play GT5 a lot more, and as you don’t get the fully aspect (the news etc.) of the game in japanese, I would wait another 3 months if I have to. :)
November 23rd, 2009 at 9:23 am
Importing prologue was a guilty pleasure. I didn’t fully enjoy the game until all options were listed in ENGLISH. GT5 is going to be a lot more in depth so I would highly advise against importing it.
November 23rd, 2009 at 9:30 am
All depends on how long the difference between the Japanese release and American release is..
November 23rd, 2009 at 10:22 am
I can only pay for 1 GT5 copy, and i only know 2 languages, none of them being Japanese. :P
November 23rd, 2009 at 10:22 am
importing is a great idea than wait for a DEc 2010 release , LOL
November 23rd, 2009 at 11:14 am
I’ll wait an english version even if it’ll be available after half an year after japanese release
November 23rd, 2009 at 11:17 am
Hmmm…really tough decision. In some ways, I don’t want to jump the gun and ruin the experience…but on the other hand, I REALLY want to drive an S14 on the Nurburgring like yesterday.
November 23rd, 2009 at 11:41 am
No I wont. I don’t understand japanese…it’s as simple as that.
November 23rd, 2009 at 12:15 pm
If it’s more than two months away, then yep, I’ll have to import it. I can live with menu translations for a while, then when the US version pops out, I’ll wait for a save or something that resembles my JP garage.
November 23rd, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Wouldn’t buy it since I’ve been waiting this long. Another month or 2 wouldn’t hurt. It’s a video game, a much anticipate video game I may add but not as serious. I want the game badly too but I’ll just wait.
November 23rd, 2009 at 12:58 pm
i could probably wait a month or two, but anymore and i’ll just order it.
i’m chinese, so i’ll figure it out
November 23rd, 2009 at 1:14 pm
If it’s more then month or two. I will Import it.. But I think it will be within 2 weeks of Japanese release in US.
November 23rd, 2009 at 2:03 pm
I don’t know.
November 23rd, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Im with blubb on this, its just PD/Japans way of making more money out of us by releasing the game in different regions at different times.
If it wasnt for their greed gt on the psp would be released next year and right now we’d all be playing GT5
November 23rd, 2009 at 2:50 pm
I got my PSP-go Version for free, so Yes I’ll buy Both, as I also did with the Prologue version ..
(A GT5 Donator, keep it real Yamauchi :O)
Team_MoFF-No2
November 23rd, 2009 at 3:07 pm
my max is 2 months
November 23rd, 2009 at 3:25 pm
I’m not sure if i will import…I did for Gt5:Pro and although the menu system was a complete mystery, there were some great translations from my fellow GTPlanet brethren. I will decide when the NA release date is known and if it’s 2 months after the JPN version then i will import, if not then i can muster some patience (i think).
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:17 pm
We have waited this long, what’s another for or five months?
November 23rd, 2009 at 5:24 pm
It depends on how long the time gap is between Japan and US release dates. If it’s only a month or two I will wait.
November 23rd, 2009 at 5:29 pm
you guys do realize games in Japan normally go for 20-30 bucks more than here (North America), especially with the strong yen right now. you could be looking at paying almost 2x with shipping and customs
Plus, learning Japanese is not like a stroll in a park.
November 23rd, 2009 at 6:08 pm
I agree with “justin”
I bought all the “prolouges” that way and i Gt4/Gt5P(jap).If it’s a month away i can wait as long as i can see some serious screenshots, but a 3 month way i dont know about that…
November 23rd, 2009 at 6:10 pm
$h!t we have been waiting 5 years or so i can’t understand why they can’t have a world wide release!
November 23rd, 2009 at 6:14 pm
Of course there is no way i couldn’t buy GT5 knowing that it’s out in Japan. I will be driving to my local import store praying I don’t die on the way there or on the way home:)
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Language barrier is too much for me. Even though I’ve studied some Japanese, my mother is a japanese teacher and my brothers are learning it. It would just frustrate me to no end. However I would import a U.S. version, over having to play a European version here in Australia. That is if the sound track is different like it was in GT4.
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:33 pm
i am afraid that if you got the different region of GT5, you won’t be able to transfer your game data from GTpsp to GT5…..
My Region3 GTpsp’s save, is not working with Region1 GTpsp… :(
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:50 pm
@ ICANT55
It all has to do with marketing and what Sony wants to do.
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:26 pm
we really won’t have to. I’m pretty sure the release dates are going to be VERY close to each other, perhaps even a worldwide simultaneous. EVen if it’s not at the same time….it won’t be very long of a wait. Regardless of what the internet likes to say, Sony isn’t stupid. They know everyone wants GT5 ASAP and I’m sure localizations, at least for english speaking terratories, are going on throughout development.
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:34 pm
I shall wait. Damn Sony.
November 23rd, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Hmmm..Why is this being asked? Is this polyphony’s way of setting up what’s to come or something else? Just release the game in one shot world wide and move on.
November 24th, 2009 at 1:12 am
Given I have a back log of 9 or 10 games sitting here right now, I won’t be importing a Japanese copy even if it’s 2-3 months wait – and I REALLY want GT5.
I’ve no doubt the English version will be ready to ship at the same time the Japanese version is, but it will come down to whether Sony has negotiated all the licensing/shipping/distro issues thoughout the US and Europe in time.
They may also want to place it strategically to coincide with some kind of games event.. *cough* E3, Los Angeles Convention Centre June 15-17 2010 *cough*. Let’s hope not though.
November 24th, 2009 at 5:36 am
It will depend on how much of a delay there is, what features and additions have been made. As long as it has a career mode like gt4 than i will be happy. I hardly played the arcade section to be honest. Im looking forward to some 100% confirmed content soon (tracks,weather,etc).
November 24th, 2009 at 6:39 am
Gran Turismo 5 will be delayed. Most probably be realsed December 2010. Belive me or don’t belive me, but mark my words. Yamauchi is aiming to create a WHOLE new GT game here. Not a HD version of the previous games. Therfore Yamauchi will NOT HESITATE TO DELAY IT. Realse date and deadlines are petty things to him. Nothing will stop him from creating the greatest racing simulation game in the history of man.
November 24th, 2009 at 7:06 am
Alphabet is key. “Typical Euro-tounge” a must. When does Swedish version launch?
November 24th, 2009 at 7:35 am
it is Sony decision, Since Sony is a company who wants to profit, whether we like it or not there is a big possibility that Sony will cash in for a December 2010 release and as always EU region will be so late yet again. GOW3 and FF13 (March FF13 launch is MS conspiracy for me) complicated everything. Three big games in 1 month on business stand point is not good, maybe if its just two but here goes that damn downgraded Ff13 to complicate things (that is why i know it is a M$ conspiracy to disrupt Gt5 which they know is a big game for Sony ). But I think February release for USA and EU is feasible and can be done. If it will 2-3 months or worse Fall or Dec 2010 then import the Japanese version. I think if the schedule for EU and NA sucks, this will cause the biggest import for games from Japan in the history.
But I cross my finger that we fans here can lobby to release not to late that March or April or possibly February. EU and USA release before Japan is feasible. Maybe for the first time PD and Sony shows some love for GT fans in NA and EU, especially in EU who has always been very supportive of GT games. Maybe it is time for PD and Sony to show some love for EU fans who always love GT and the game always sells big even bigger than Japan or NA.
Let us all stay positive that GT5 will be launch February or at least just one month gap not 2-3 months or worse Fall 2010, or Dec 2010. Prayers will also help. I hope PD and Sony is listening to its fans. If they think Christmas 2010 is best for them to profit , well they are making a very big mistake and it will just cause a lot of backlash from GT and Sony fans. 5 years is to much already.
November 24th, 2009 at 8:11 am
when is the Australian version shipping?
November 24th, 2009 at 9:46 am
I’ll just wait for the release in Europe. I know, it’s hard to wait for the release when a country like Japan already has the game in stores… But, yeah, I’ll wait. ;)
November 24th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
no, I have a US PS3
November 24th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Who cares? Is it still coming out anyway?
November 24th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
wat a waste of front page news …fucken idiot …who ever post this..imo
November 24th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
I wont be importing because even importing has risks and alot of Japanese ebay and other sites mark packages with gift the problem is that if customs in say the uk where I live decide to check the contents and see it’s likely to be more than £18 (max someone can declare as gift) then there you are liable for legal action fines and the possiblity of losing the package all together.
but one sites that might be able to do the import without this risk is Axelmusic as they pay all import etc but they are more expensive , I used them to get a copy of afrika US for the PS3.
but even so since It is only likely to be about 3-4 weeks ish after Japan that the EU and US will get it i think I will wait
November 24th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
I’ve waited so damn long already, what’s another month or two? I’m sure I’ll just wait until it’s released in North America.
November 24th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
I’ll attempt for an import. i got Pokemon Soulsilver from Japan. still, it’s better than waiting 4 MORE months
November 24th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
The only reason I would import a copy from another country would be as a collectible. Other wise I will be waiting to play. No sense in trying to play an import here especially if you want to play online.
November 24th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Sure and with no hesitation if they repeat something like this with GT5
http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-41-49-en-70-exh.html
November 25th, 2009 at 12:02 am
no, because i dont understand japanese
November 25th, 2009 at 1:49 am
This is fucking bullshit marketing delay fom PD, it’s a smart way to make mor money by launching it in 2 different regions in different times.. Thanks to stupid desperate GT fanboys PD can take advantage of us..
Sorry PD but I’m not stupid enough for your little money making traps..
I will wait for the EU GT5
Honestly it’s just a fucking game it syrupy shouldn’t be taking this long..
November 25th, 2009 at 2:17 am
@gtman: If trying to keep the blog interesting for my readers during a quiet time for Polyphony Digital makes me a “fucken idiot”, then, so be it.
November 25th, 2009 at 2:54 am
I perfectly agree with Jordan. Some people are so useless for the community that they are prone to type despicable messages and criticize just for the need to open their mouth and say there’s a bag of bacteria somewhere in this world lol Regarding buying GT5 japanese , i had done it with GT4 but had a hard time becuz getting into the game was mostly mechanical since i don’t know jap. so i better wait for the EU GT5. Just hoping for no more delay we’re already on fire soon we’ll be carbonized
November 25th, 2009 at 3:02 am
I think I will wait for the european release.
Because if there are any unexspected problems with the Game they can be fixed.
And of course I can not speak or read japaneese.