BIG NEWS: Gran Turismo Professional announced for the PC!!!

[Jordan]

Remember all the newbies you used to get so frustrated with, asking if/when the GT series will ever be coming to the PC? And remember all the rants and raves you gave them about that NEVER happening? Well, you (and me) were terribly wrong! Yet another game in the GT series is coming - but this time it's on the PC! Check out this article at GamesWire.com for more information. This is a major turning point for the series. Personally I have mixed emotions about it, but I can't really explain why - I just have kind of a nostalgic feeling towards playing a GT game on my Sony system...but, oh well. At least PD can't complain about any kind of limitations this time, and maybe we'll see more cars on track and other cool things.

Oh, and before you run off and try to register www.GTProfessional.com or www.GranTurismoProfessional.com, don't bother - I already have.

 

[LoudMusic]

Originally posted by Jordan
Remember all the newbies you used to get so frustrated with, asking if/when the GT series will ever be coming to the PC? And remember all the rants and raves you gave them about that NEVER happening? Well, you (and me) were terribly wrong! Yet another game in the GT series is coming - but this time it's on the PC! Check out this article at GamesWire.com for more information. This is a major turning point for the series. Personally I have mixed emotions about it, but I can't really explain why - I just have kind of a nostalgic feeling towards playing a GT game on my Sony system...but, oh well. At least PD can't complain about any kind of limitations this time, and maybe we'll see more cars on track and other cool things.

Oh, and before you run off and try to register www.GTProfessional.com or www.GranTurismoProfessional.com, don't bother - I already have.

Wow, I can't believe you got those before the owner of the game did! Neato (:

~LoudMusic

 

[vat_man]

Yeah - dunno about that...

Why would Sony do this? It would seem to strike right at the heart of the PS2 - what next, an X-Box version?

Still, a port I could probably deal with - if it looked better than the PS2 version I'd be ticked.

At least there'll be no chance of the Blue Screen of Death on my PS2!

 

[LoudMusic]

Like I've mentioned in another thread ... I enjoy gaming on computers more than gaming on consoles. There are generally more option, and the hardware is better and upgradable. The software can also be patched quite easily. You know all those stupid annoying bugs in GT3 that we've talked about before? They would disapear before most of us even had a chance to play the game. Plus, this gives Sony the ability to do online updates to the game. The single player simulation mode could be practically endless, and the dealership could grow without bounds as well. AND! -- that track editor we've been wanting? Mmhmm ... (:

~LoudMusic

 

[Jordan]

Originally posted by LoudMusic


Wow, I can't believe you got those before the owner of the game did! Neato (:

~LoudMusic

Yeah, I was pretty suprised myself! Polyphony Digital grabbed GranTurismoConcept.com before it was even announced, so I was afraid they were ready for GTP too. But, fortunately, it looks like it slipped out a little too early!

 

[Jordan]

Originally posted by LoudMusic
Like I've mentioned in another thread ... I enjoy gaming on computers more than gaming on consoles. There are generally more option, and the hardware is better and upgradable. The software can also be patched quite easily. You know all those stupid annoying bugs in GT3 that we've talked about before? They would disapear before most of us even had a chance to play the game. Plus, this gives Sony the ability to do online updates to the game. The single player simulation mode could be practically endless, and the dealership could grow without bounds as well. AND! -- that track editor we've been wanting? Mmhmm ... (:

~LoudMusic

Mmmm...haven't even thought about that!

 

[vat_man]

Originally posted by LoudMusic
Like I've mentioned in another thread ... I enjoy gaming on computers more than gaming on consoles. There are generally more option, and the hardware is better and upgradable. The software can also be patched quite easily. You know all those stupid annoying bugs in GT3 that we've talked about before? They would disapear before most of us even had a chance to play the game. Plus, this gives Sony the ability to do online updates to the game. The single player simulation mode could be practically endless, and the dealership could grow without bounds as well. AND! -- that track editor we've been wanting? Mmhmm ... (:

~LoudMusic

I very seriously doubt Sony would allow the GT series on PC to be a superior product to the PSwhateverversion product.

This is probably the one game in the line-up that sells consoles on its own - hence the GT3 pack in the run-up to Christmas.

 

[LoudMusic]

Originally posted by vat_man


I very seriously doubt Sony would allow the GT series on PC to be a superior product to the PSwhateverversion product.

This is probably the one game in the line-up that sells consoles on its own - hence the GT3 pack in the run-up to Christmas.

No doubt! That's why I bought it ... and GT3 is still the only game I own. Hah ... you are so right, and I'm a perfect example. But at the same time, I have a lot of friends that love the GranTurismo series but wouldn't buy a PSwhateverversion because they already own a rocking gaming computer. They would buy GTP (I think we're going to have an acronym issue here ...) because they could get their car racing fill on their existing computer. I think Sony will make more in $50 sales than they would in PS2/GTN sales (or whatever examples we'd like to make). And I'm going to own both, because I've got a good job but I'm stupid about spending money on games (:

~LoudMusic

 

[Schumy]

thanks for the exciting news Jordan .......you guys have got me really going now:thumbsup:

 

[vat_man]

Originally posted by LoudMusic


No doubt! That's why I bought it ... and GT3 is still the only game I own. Hah ... you are so right, and I'm a perfect example. But at the same time, I have a lot of friends that love the GranTurismo series but wouldn't buy a PSwhateverversion because they already own a rocking gaming computer. They would buy GTP (I think we're going to have an acronym issue here ...) because they could get their car racing fill on their existing computer. I think Sony will make more in $50 sales than they would in PS2/GTN sales (or whatever examples we'd like to make). And I'm going to own both, because I've got a good job but I'm stupid about spending money on games (:

~LoudMusic

Yes, but don't forget the real money spinner for Sony isn't the black box - it's the licensing income from software sold to go in the black box.

If you assume that each copy of GTwhatever for the PC means a PS2 not sold, then Sony miss out on the income stream from software sold for that PS2.

The only conclusion I can draw from this is that Sony's market research has decided that the PC and PS2 markets are so clearly delineated that the income from selling GTwhatever on the PC will be more than the income from the lost PS2 sales - an interesting call.

This is very surprising.

 

[LoudMusic]

Originally posted by vat_man


Yes, but don't forget the real money spinner for Sony isn't the black box - it's the licensing income from software sold to go in the black box.

If you assume that each copy of GTwhatever for the PC means a PS2 not sold, then Sony miss out on the income stream from software sold for that PS2.

The only conclusion I can draw from this is that Sony's market research has decided that the PC and PS2 markets are so clearly delineated that the income from selling GTwhatever on the PC will be more than the income from the lost PS2 sales - an interesting call.

This is very surprising.

I can agree to a degree. Console gamers and "PC" gamers are different breeds. Consoles are quick and easy - throw in the cartridge/CD/DVD and you're gaming. With just about any game I can think of ... there is a nice long list of required hardware and software before you even start the installation process. Then you get to install the game and patch all the bugs out of it ... But like the sayings goes ... "all good things come to those who wait" and "patience is a virtue" (:

~LoudMusic

 

[vat_man]

Originally posted by LoudMusic
I can agree to a degree. Console gamers and "PC" gamers are different breeds. Consoles are quick and easy - throw in the cartridge/CD/DVD and you're gaming. With just about any game I can think of ... there is a nice long list of required hardware and software before you even start the installation process. Then you get to install the game and patch all the bugs out of it ... But like the sayings goes ... "all good things come to those who wait" and "patience is a virtue" (:

Oh - I'm not debating the technical side of it - and like yourself (well, once we've upgraded the home PC) I will probably buy GTwhatever for the PC, for the reasons mentioned in your above posts.

I'm just intrigued as to why Sony would be doing it, from a marketing and big picture perspective. It just seems to me they have more to lose than to gain from such a move.

Thinking about it, perhaps Sony are trying to boost on-line racing numbers? Maybe they've done the analysis and concluded they probably won't have enough numbers of console GTNetwork racers to make it worthwhile, and need to boost the numbers with PC racers to make the numbers work?

 

[Schumy]

yeah and i'm waiting with a sweet-a@@ computer and sweet video card
nVIDIA g-force 2 GTS PRO with 64MB "DDR" memory and S-Video output to display the game on my television

 

[LoudMusic]

Well, now I'm really confused.

------------------------------------------------------------

http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2835498,00.html

Could Sony be eyeing an acquisition of Japan's largest ISP service to bring more complete broadband services for the PS2 to the country?

Sony recently announced that it is in negotiations with Fujitsu regarding possible tie-ups in the Internet business. Although neither company discussed specifics, a report in the Japanese publication Nihon Keizai Shimbun states that Sony is in talks to acquire Fujitsu subsidiary Nifty Corp. The possible acquisition of Japan's largest ISP by Sony is said to be valued at more than $760 million. To provide high-speed broadband services for PlayStation 2 owners, Sony has also announced partnerships with Nippon Telegraph and Telephone, Yahoo Japan, and Softbank Corp. for the Japanese market. The company has similar partnerships with North American companies, including one with AOL, which was announced at last year's E3 in Los Angeles.

------------------------------------------------------------

Why would they announce a PC release of an online game, if they're buying up bandwidth and providers to build an Internet infrastructure for the PS2? Unless by "PC" they are refering to Linux ... which the PS2 runs now.

I've always hated the term "PC". It's used incorrectly - 'Do you have a Mac or a PC?'. Are Macs not "personal computers"? They seem more personal than Windows computers to me ... heck, their proper name even includes PC in the title. Macintosh PowerPC. Sheesh!

~LoudMusic

 

[Jordan]

Originally posted by LoudMusic
Well, now I'm really confused.

------------------------------------------------------------

http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2835498,00.html

Could Sony be eyeing an acquisition of Japan's largest ISP service to bring more complete broadband services for the PS2 to the country?

Sony recently announced that it is in negotiations with Fujitsu regarding possible tie-ups in the Internet business. Although neither company discussed specifics, a report in the Japanese publication Nihon Keizai Shimbun states that Sony is in talks to acquire Fujitsu subsidiary Nifty Corp. The possible acquisition of Japan's largest ISP by Sony is said to be valued at more than $760 million. To provide high-speed broadband services for PlayStation 2 owners, Sony has also announced partnerships with Nippon Telegraph and Telephone, Yahoo Japan, and Softbank Corp. for the Japanese market. The company has similar partnerships with North American companies, including one with AOL, which was announced at last year's E3 in Los Angeles.

------------------------------------------------------------

Why would they announce a PC release of an online game, if they're buying up bandwidth and providers to build an Internet infrastructure for the PS2? Unless by "PC" they are refering to Linux ... which the PS2 runs now.

I've always hated the term "PC". It's used incorrectly - 'Do you have a Mac or a PC?'. Are Macs not "personal computers"? They seem more personal than Windows computers to me ... heck, their proper name even includes PC in the title. Macintosh PowerPC. Sheesh!

~LoudMusic

Hmmm...that's interesting, thanks for posting it, Loud! Doesn't make much sense though...

 

[MazKid]

And it will be on PS2 also.......will it?! It should be!

 

[LoudMusic]

Originally posted by MazKid
And it will be on PS2 also.......will it?! It should be!

According to the article (did you read it?) GTProfessional is the PC release of GTNetwork. Basically the same thing, but different names. I bet they rename one of them by the time it's officially announced in the States.

~LoudMusic

 

[MazKid]

Loud-I'm too lazy right now to read it. I'm glad it's going to be on PS2 also. I hope they ditch both names, and stick with GT4 ------something.

Just think----GT on the PC-----I heard hybrids coming several days after release.

 

[Tom M]

Originally posted by Jordan
Remember all the newbies you used to get so frustrated with, asking if/when the GT series will ever be coming to the PC? And remember all the rants and raves you gave them about that NEVER happening? Well, you (and me) were terribly wrong! Yet another game in the GT series is coming - but this time it's on the PC! Check out this article at GamesWire.com for more information. This is a major turning point for the series. Personally I have mixed emotions about it, but I can't really explain why - I just have kind of a nostalgic feeling towards playing a GT game on my Sony system...but, oh well. At least PD can't complain about any kind of limitations this time, and maybe we'll see more cars on track and other cool things.

Oh, and before you run off and try to register www.GTProfessional.com or www.GranTurismoProfessional.com, don't bother - I already have.

That is pure genius Jordan. I hope you are ready for a giant flood of new members when that baby hits the streets.

 

[gran_turismo_bandit]

Originally posted by LoudMusic
Like I've mentioned in another thread ... I enjoy gaming on computers more than gaming on consoles. There are generally more option, and the hardware is better and upgradable. The software can also be patched quite easily. You know all those stupid annoying bugs in GT3 that we've talked about before? They would disapear before most of us even had a chance to play the game. Plus, this gives Sony the ability to do online updates to the game. The single player simulation mode could be practically endless, and the dealership could grow without bounds as well. AND! -- that track editor we've been wanting? Mmhmm ... (:

~LoudMusic

endless sim mode, limitless cars available, AND a track editor?!??!?!!?!?!?! *starts drooling and babbling incoherently*

 

[LoudMusic]

Originally posted by gran_turismo_bandit


endless sim mode, limitless cars available, AND a track editor?!??!?!!?!?!?! *starts drooling and babbling incoherently*

Before you go shorting out your keyboard, that's only my wishes! I didn't read that anywhere. But wouldn't it be totally cool!

~LoudMusic

 

[risingson77]

MMMMmmmmm....GT on my PC. This is the day for which I have been waiting. Just think: downloadable cars, online racing, upgradeable hardware, track editors...the possibilities....so much gaming goodness....


(hyperventilates, then passes out on floor)

*THUD*

 

[Jordan]

Originally posted by Tom McDonnell


That is pure genius Jordan. I hope you are ready for a giant flood of new members when that baby hits the streets.

Oh yes, I'm ready! I really hope they don't change the name(s) for either of the upcoming games, though...I've got GranTurismoNetwork.com too...

 

[risingson77]

Originally posted by Jordan
Oh yes, I'm ready! I really hope they don't change the name(s) for either of the upcoming games, though...I've got GranTurismoNetwork.com too...

Ma·chi·a·vel·li·an
adj.

1) Of or relating to Machiavelli or Machiavellianism.

2) Suggestive of or characterized by expediency, deceit, and cunning.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Machi·a·velli·an or Machi·a·vellist n.


Sound like someone we know?

 

[Jordan]

Originally posted by risingson77


Ma·chi·a·vel·li·an
adj.

1) Of or relating to Machiavelli or Machiavellianism.

2) Suggestive of or characterized by expediency, deceit, and cunning.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Machi·a·velli·an or Machi·a·vellist n.


Sound like someone we know?

I honestly don't have any idea what you're talking about!

 

[Zero]

Originally posted by Jordan
Oh, and before you run off and try to register www.GTProfessional.com or www.GranTurismoProfessional.com, don't bother - I already have.

Sneeky Jordan, very sneeky! I personally cannot wait for this to come to PC i will be all over it!

 

[LoudMusic]

Originally posted by Jordan
Oh yes, I'm ready! I really hope they don't change the name(s) for either of the upcoming games, though...I've got GranTurismoNetwork.com too...

You need to have them target the GTPlanet.net home page right now so that anyone else that thinks of the same thing will be sent to your existing site no matter what the name becomes. Might pick up a few members that way (:

~LoudMusic

 

[BrianC6234]

I'm surprised I don't already see this posted here but I guess you shouldn't get excited about GT for the PC.

Check out this link: http://pc.ign.com/news/40820.html

It talks about the RUMOR of a PC version of GT. It was just a misunderstanding. There is no PC version of any GT game in development and never will be.

If you think about it Sony would be foolish to make a PC version of GT. I work with a lot of guys who bought a PS2 mainly for GT3. If Sony made the game for the PC they'd sell less consoles. And that doesn't make sense for them.

I know some people think Sony makes more money on licensing games. But that doesn't matter. All the hardware companies have to have system selling games. Sony's biggest is GT. If it became available on the PC it would no longer be a system seller.

My big question is why should Sony have to make it for the PC? There are so many companies making racing games. Don't they understand what makes GT so popular? Another company should be able to make a game on the PC that is at least as good as GT. They just need a team of gamers/car nuts who are really into details. How hard could that be? I guess most companies don't want to spend the money that Sony spends on the GT games.

Brian

 

[risingson77]

:thumbsdow :thumbsdow :thumbsdow


Oh well, it would've been nice...there's still hope.

Thanks for the 411, Brian...and welcome to GTPlanet!

 

[vat_man]

Originally posted by BrianC6234
I know some people think Sony makes more money on licensing games. But that doesn't matter. All the hardware companies have to have system selling games. Sony's biggest is GT. If it became available on the PC it would no longer be a system seller.

My big question is why should Sony have to make it for the PC? There are so many companies making racing games. Don't they understand what makes GT so popular? Another company should be able to make a game on the PC that is at least as good as GT. They just need a team of gamers/car nuts who are really into details. How hard could that be? I guess most companies don't want to spend the money that Sony spends on the GT games.

Brian

This is exactly the point I was making earlier - whilst exciting from a gaming point of view, I couldn't see what Sony had to gain. The reasoning goes like this:
- company releases console - console is sold at very low margin (in some instances negative)
- company releases very popular game, which in previous and current incarnations, the game has proven so popular it actually sells more systems
- company goes to third party developers, pointing to the large number of consoles sold (partly due to aforementioned popular game)
- third party developers produce large amounts of software for console, paying substantial license fees to company (and anyone who's been associated with software development knows that license fees are a crucial source of revenue).

So, given the above - why would Sony release GT for the PC, and potentially jeopardise sales of the PS2 console? There's a lot more at stake than a couple of hundred thousand copies of the game - unless, as mentioned earlier in the thread, Sony had some other strategy in mind, such as on-line.