GT4 Enthusiasm V.S Automotive Enthusiasm

[Lethalchem]

A discussion in another thread prompted this quandry in my mind. Although the answer may appear simple on the surface, I believe it goes much deeper. The question is quite straightforward: Can an individual be a GT4 enthusiast, yet NOT be an automotive enthusiast?

Or better yet, can an individual be a regular participant of this site, and not have a significant level of automotive interest? Personally, I don't believe so. I believe the very nature of the GT series itself draws those of us who have more than a base love for automotive motorsports.

Do we all have an excessive level of mechanical knowledge? Of course not. Do we all even OWN a car? Probably not. I cannot, however, bring myself to believe that an individual would become so involved in GT4 simply for the technology of the game, and be indifferent to the topic of the programming itself.

Will there be a variety of levels of interest in cars? Of course! Will there be people who don't like cars at all, or don't want anything to do with the automotive aspect of the game? I don't think so. I don't believe you can seperate game discussion from automotive discussion when talking about GT4. Opinions?

 

[Jay]

My nephew is 11 and he's not really into cars yet (he's into bikes), But he still loves to play GT3, He just buys the most expensive parts for his cars and races (which gets him into trouble expecially when he buys the race tranny).

He has very little car knowledge but he still manages and enjoys playing GT3.

 

[usernamed]

IMO you can't have a GT4 fan that isn't in any way interested in automobiles or racing. Since that's the topic of the game, and that the type of people PD is trying to attrack.

 

[Uncle Harry]

Depends on what an enthusist is classified as?
I am a GT enthusist, have a strong interest in cars in general, car racing as a TV watcher and a mild interest in how they work. I understand the principals of car settings and tuning, I have a mechanical engineering background.
Would not a interest in cars attract you to GT games?
Does playing GT games make a non car person become a car nut?
Would a true car enthusist which plays and or races with real cars have enough time to play GT games?
How about making this one a survey?

 

[usernamed]

Would not a interest in cars attract you to GT games?

Yes.

Does playing GT games make a non car person become a car nut?

Yes.

Would a true car enthusist which plays and or races with real cars have enough time to play GT games?

Why not?

How about making this one a survey?

Sure...

 

[JNasty4G63]

You can be a fan of anything and not really be involved in it. I talked about this in some other thread once. I have a friend who couldn't give a crap less about cars. He has a nice Jetta, but its just a base GL, nothing special. He doesn't care. He just wants a comfy car that gets A to B, nothing more. But, you get him going on GT3, and he loves it. Not so much racing the normal tracks, but he loves the high speed ring. We'll take the GT-Ones there, and have 5 lap bumper to bumper drafting battles for hours. Its good times. He is completely not a GT fan, or an automotive fan, but he likes the game in that regard.

Now, was that what the game was created for??? No, but who cares. I have a few games that I bought for silly reasons. I have Super Monkey Ball 1 & 2 for the Cube. Its meant to be a puzzle game, but I bought it for one of the little side games. Thats all. I never play the main game, just 'Monkey Target' thats all. Even though I'm not playing the game the intended way, I still consider myself a fan. People can be fans of anything for any reason.

Take golf as another example. I'm a golf pro at a club in Omaha. I like playing the full tour season on Tiger 2004 because it gives a very realistic feel of tour play. I'm a golfer, always have been, always will be. So, I like playing the game for the reality in it. But, if someone else, a non-golfer, likes playing the game and just going out and hitting huge drives, or playing the crazy made up courses, or other silly things like that, far be it from me to tell them thats not the way to do it.

Too many people on this forum take this game WAAAAAAY to serious. Its like, if you have an opinion about the game, or something you'd like to see, and its NOT the way they want it, YOU suck and are totally wrong and out of place, and they are right. I get tired of that. I'm sure there are plenty of people on here who can't drive, or don't know cars that well, or whatever. But, if they like the game for whatever reason, fine. Its when people start saying 'THATS STUPID, that shouldn't be in the game" and things like that when I don't like reading things here.

Like the thread about "Tire Smoke" in GT4. So what if someone wants more smoke in the game. I like doing donuts everynow and then, and more smoke would be more realistic. But, then you get the people who think its dumb, and they have to let everyone else know it, that ruins it. Ease up people. Everyone plays games for different reasons. If you don't agree, either say so nicely, or don't talk. Having a discussion and yelling at someone are not the same thing.

Hilg

 

[Jay]

Take golf as another example. I'm a golf pro at a club in Omaha. I like playing the full tour season on Tiger 2004 because it gives a very realistic feel of tour play. I'm a golfer, always have been, always will be. So, I like playing the game for the reality in it. But, if someone else, a non-golfer, likes playing the game and just going out and hitting huge drives, or playing the crazy made up courses, or other silly things like that, far be it from me to tell them thats not the way to do it.

I dont really like golf much IRL, but I love playing Tiger 2004, but play it seriously not just for the long drives etc.

 

[McLaren'sAngel]

Hiya!

I think that if someone is a GT fan, then it's likely that they have something in them about real life automotive. I think this way is because of all the GT players I have met at school and here in this lovely board of GTplanet and found out that they all know and like something about automotive. It's also interesting when you try to imagine a standpoint from a person who started liking cars because of GT series and a person who started liking cars because of just observation and just feel in love with cars.
I look at myself as a GT player who uses Gran Turismo franchise to have fun and virtually drive my dream cars I wish I can have or want in the future. It's basically a way to calm myself down about "omg omg I want it but that wont be till 15+ years until my life will be good enough to get it!" And of course I also believe that if you play GT series, you must have some respect to the real automotive world!
I never met a GT player who isnt so interested in cars outside the game. I personally dont have anything to say about a GT player who plays GT series and doesnt or dont seem to like cars in the real world because I have never met someone like that.

 

[Leo_Straight6]

If you guys don't mind me saying so, theres defintely some guys other there who hate Jappenese cars yet still love GT

 

[Arwin]

When I started playing GT I had nothing short of an aversion to cars. But I"ve always loved racing. The combination of these two things can only exist thanks to computer games. Having said that, I've slowly come to like cars more, all thanks to GT. But I'm thirty and to this date I still don't have a driver's licence, although I'm working on it now - again in a large part inspired by my GT derived passion.

That said, I will not soon buy a car myself, but will rather hire one occasionally. In my country it's not always necessary to have a car ...

 

[Lethalchem]

My nephew is 11 and he's not really into cars yet (he's into bikes), But he still loves to play GT3, He just buys the most expensive parts for his cars and races (which gets him into trouble expecially when he buys the race tranny).

He has very little car knowledge but he still manages and enjoys playing GT3.

You make a good point, but I don't feel "enjoying" and "managing" is equivolent to being an enthusiast. I'm not talking about the average player who will rent this game to "see what it's all about". I'm talking about the people who actually take the time out of their lives to register here and post daily. 👍

 

[Lethalchem]

I was going to reply to another quote on here, but I think I'll just make it a broad statement instead: One thing I'd like you to keep in mind while answering this question, is that there is obviously a difference between a person who picks up the game now and then and enjoys a few laps around a track, and a person who actually joins this site and is a regular presence here...hence my use of the term "GT4 enthusiast".

This topic started in my mind after reading a discussion about the appropriateness of automotive discussion in the GT4 forum. It was suggested that car talk should remain (at least in depth) in the automotive section of this site. I disagreed. I think anyone who bothers to register and participate here, has an interest in autmotive issues, as opposed to just gaming.

 

[XPLOSV]

This is a hard one. I guess its hard to really enjoy the game unless your really into cars. I mean the game involves some tech knowledge such as gear rations and suspension settings but then again, you can just read the description I guess and do what that tells you.

It just kinda turns into a race game thats gonna be put away after acouple of months if your not a car nut. I'm a HUGE HUGE car nut and I guess you can say I have a fairly good knowledge of cars (I read alot of books/internet material on performance mods etc) and this has helped me play the GT series years after purchase.
For instance, I hadnt played GT3 in a while and was watching a best motoring clip of the Mines GT-R and an Amuse Supra and pretty much straight after watchign, I was modding a supra similar to the Amuse and reaquaiting myself with the Mines GT-R.

 

[phantasm]

i think GT enthusiasts are automotive enthusiasts or quickly will become one (as in Arwin's case). What i don't necessarily agree with is that automotive enthusiasts must have in depth technical knowledge of how engines work, specifics on how different rims and tires can effect things traction and acceleration, and things of that nature. I would say you can be very passionate about cars and not necessarily have that level of knowledge... however i would wager that you would at least know that these things effect car performance in some way.

I think the biggest link is that GT and automotive enthusiasts love cars... love driving... and love racing... and really appreciate the skill involved in not only getting behind the wheel, but also the art of building these metal works of art.. and those things brings the two together.

 

[JNasty4G63]

I dont really like golf much IRL, but I love playing Tiger 2004, but play it seriously not just for the long drives etc.

Thats my point. You aren't a golfer, but you play the game and enjoy it. Its not my place to tell you whether or not your a real fan of the game, or that you aren't playing it right, or whatever just because you aren't a golfer. You can do whatever you want in a game. Thats the whole point behind 'games'

Ok, here's my look on things. I don't mean this to sound rude, just bear with me. I think there are tooo many people on this site that take the game waaaay to seriously. The way some of you are describing it, its like if someone doesn't take the time to play the game all the time, and come to this website and post, and read car magazines, and watch car movies, they aren't a true GT enthusiast. Thats silly and elitist. Its like people are trying to classify themselves as 'enthusiasts' to make themselves seem better than the average player. WHO CARES!!!! Like I was saying in my first post, you can play any game for any reason and call yourself a fan of it. Just because someone else doesn't play the game to get all golds, or get 100%, or things like that, it doesn't make them any less of a fan of the game. If you want to consider yourself a GT enthusiast or whatever, fine. But don't make it sound like you have to play the game every day, get all gold, get 100%, post 10 times a day here, and really like cars to be and enthusiast of the game. If some Mom who doesn't drive a car, who doesnt' know what a throw-out bearing is, or what camber is, but likes to play the game, then she is just as much an enthusiast as the rest of us. If people like the game, they like the game. There isn't a list of prerequisites as to classify people to like the game.

Hilg

 

[Lethalchem]

What i don't necessarily agree with is that automotive enthusiasts must have in depth technical knowledge of how engines work, specifics on how different rims and tires can effect things traction and acceleration, and things of that nature. I would say you can be very passionate about cars and not necessarily have that level of knowledge...

I agree with you 100%, but does that fact mean that those who do have that knowledge should keep it out of the GT4 forums?

 

[Lethalchem]

Thats my point. You aren't a golfer, but you play the game and enjoy it. Its not my place to tell you whether or not your a real fan of the game, or that you aren't playing it right, or whatever just because you aren't a golfer. You can do whatever you want in a game. Thats the whole point behind 'games'

I understand where you're coming from, and I understand the point you're trying to make. I think, however, you interpreted meanings into statements that were not intentionally placed there by the author. For me, the use of the word "enthusiast" was used to designate a person who enjoys this game a bit more than the average player. This is not an elitist attitude. I believe that everyone on this site is an enthusiast. In your example above about golf. The guy admits he isn't a golfer, but enjoys the game. My question would be, does he bother to go to the golf game site and post about ball colors and club designs? I doubt it.

Ok, here's my look on things. I don't mean this to sound rude, just bear with me. I think there are tooo many people on this site that take the game waaaay to seriously. The way some of you are describing it, its like if someone doesn't take the time to play the game all the time, and come to this website and post, and read car magazines, and watch car movies, they aren't a true GT enthusiast. Thats silly and elitist. Its like people are trying to classify themselves as 'enthusiasts' to make themselves seem better than the average player. WHO CARES!!!! Like I was saying in my first post, you can play any game for any reason and call yourself a fan of it. Just because someone else doesn't play the game to get all golds, or get 100%, or things like that, it doesn't make them any less of a fan of the game. If you want to consider yourself a GT enthusiast or whatever, fine. But don't make it sound like you have to play the game every day, get all gold, get 100%, post 10 times a day here, and really like cars to be and enthusiast of the game. If some Mom who doesn't drive a car, who doesnt' know what a throw-out bearing is, or what camber is, but likes to play the game, then she is just as much an enthusiast as the rest of us. If people like the game, they like the game. There isn't a list of prerequisites as to classify people to like the game.

Hilg

As stated above, I believe you read more into the terminology that is actually there. 👍

 

[JNasty4G63]

Ok, I think you messed up a little formatting on that last post, but I was able to decipher it, so no biggie 👍

I get what your saying. But, people who come here are not necessarily more interested in the game than other people. What if people don't know this website. Hell, I didn't know about it until just recently a few months ago. The way you guys make it sound, is that if someone doesn't come here, or any other website, then they just aren't as into the game as other people. I've been into cars, and racing games, for as long as I can remember. But, just because I don't go to a website and talk about it doesn't mean I'm not as into it as someone else. Thats why I called it elitist. Trying to say that people who play the game for a different reason are not 'enthusiasts' is just not right. I mean, like you commented on with my post about Tiger 2004. Just because the guy might not go to websites about the game or talk on forums about it, that doesn't make him any less 'enthusiastic' about it. There is no one definition for an enthusiast of something.

Hilg

 

[Lethalchem]

Ok, I think you messed up a little formatting on that last post, but I was able to decipher it, so no biggie 👍

I get what your saying. But, people who come here are not necessarily more interested in the game than other people. What if people don't know this website. Hell, I didn't know about it until just recently a few months ago. The way you guys make it sound, is that if someone doesn't come here, or any other website, then they just aren't as into the game as other people. I've been into cars, and racing games, for as long as I can remember. But, just because I don't go to a website and talk about it doesn't mean I'm not as into it as someone else. Thats why I called it elitist. Trying to say that people who play the game for a different reason are not 'enthusiasts' is just not right. I mean, like you commented on with my post about Tiger 2004. Just because the guy might not go to websites about the game or talk on forums about it, that doesn't make him any less 'enthusiastic' about it. There is no one definition for an enthusiast of something.

Hilg

Fixed it.

You're still missing what I'm saying. I'm coming from the opposite direction you are. I'm NOT saying you are only an enthusiast if you come here, and those who don't come here are not. I'm saying I don't believe those who are NOT enthusiasts, bother to come here. Meaning, people who don't give a damn about cars will probably not visit this site. Those who are here, probably have a significant level of interest in cars. Did that make more sense?

 

[Dave A]

I would think that most GT enthusiasts would be car enthusiastss or close to that, however I don't think everyone in these forums is a true GT enthusiast and/or car enthusiast, registereing here and posting daily doesn't make you that. I also agree with phantasm, being a true enthusiast for anything isn't about how much you know or can explain about it, but it's how you feel about that game, sport, subject ect it's wanting to put the time into even if you don't or can't put the time in.

 

[jr93alty]

the whole reason this thread started is probably cuz of me and jnasty. we make automotive comments sometimes and it seems to piss people off. the whole problem i have with stuff is that people recommend that something should be in the game and me or jnasty have to explain to them that it may not be realistic to have that in the game. people just come up with ideas because they heard something from some "knowledgable street racer" or they saw something in a movie or something. people dont realize that there are a lot of myths about cars and what they do in certain situations and why they do them. people dont have to be an enthusiest or whatever but if someone is gonna recommend that something be in the game then they sure as hell better understand why and how it should be implemented in a game if its going to be at all.

 

[Lethalchem]

I also agree with phantasm, being a true enthusiast for anything isn't about how much you know or can explain about it, but it's how you feel about that game, sport, subject ect it's wanting to put the time into even if you don't or can't put the time in.

I can agree with that. But would an individual who is NOT an enthusiast, bother to put the time in?

 

[Lethalchem]

the whole reason this thread started is probably cuz of me and jnasty. we make automotive comments sometimes and it seems to piss people off. the whole problem i have with stuff is that people recommend that something should be in the game and me or jnasty have to explain to them that it may not be realistic to have that in the game. people just come up with ideas because they heard something from some "knowledgable street racer" or they saw something in a movie or something. people dont realize that there are a lot of myths about cars and what they do in certain situations and why they do them. people dont have to be an enthusiest or whatever but if someone is gonna recommend that something be in the game then they sure as hell better understand why and how it should be implemented in a game if its going to be at all.

Actually, what the purpose of the thread stems from, is should automotive discussion take place in the GT4 forum, or should it be restricted to the automitive secion only.

 

[JNasty4G63]

You're still missing what I'm saying. I'm coming from the opposite direction you are. I'm NOT saying you are only an enthusiast if you come here, and those who don't come here are not. I'm saying I don't believe those who are NOT enthusiasts, bother to come here. Meaning, people who don't give a damn about cars will probably not visit this site. Those who are here, probably have a significant level of interest in cars. Did that make more sense?

👍
I dig now. I was totally misunderstanding what you were saying.

I would have to agree with that then. Most, if not all of the people here have some sort of connection with cars, and obviously GT. Did you get what I'm saying though???? I still think there is a bad attitude with some people waaaay too often. I mean, every time someone brings up a topic, there is always someone that has to ridicule that person, and call them stupid and say that what they brought up has no place in the game. Thats what I'm sick of. Its like, those people think they have final say over the game. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, thats fine. But there are waaaay too many people who think they know everything about everything and will let you know much too often. Like I said earlier, a discussion about things is fine, thats what forums are for. But, the yelling and ripping on new people to the site, or to the game because they have different opinions is getting old. Thats bad 'enthusiasm' at work. 👎

And yes, jr93, I agree 100% with your last post. People here take a lot of what some posters say way to personally. We're all just here to talk about the game and cars and what not. If people don't know about something, or maybe start talking about it incorrectly, jr93 and myself will usually try and help out. Some people take that to heart as us trying to 'show them up' or whatever. Just a little less 'on edge' attitude around here as a whole would take this forum from a pretty good one, to a fantastic place to browse. Again, I'm not pointing any fingers. I'm sure I've been a dork a few times. But if we all as a whole could just cool out, this whole wait for the game would go by MUCH smoother. End of rant. Laters

Hilg

 

[JNasty4G63]

Actually, what the purpose of the thread stems from, is should automotive discussion take place in the GT4 forum, or should it be restricted to the automitive secion only.

I think, if its automotive talk that is related to what is being talked about for the game, then by all means it should stay here. Like the talk we had about 'body kits' and 'aero kits' in the game. There was a long discussion about race cars, and street cars, and what actually should, if anything, be included in the game. We talked about real race series, and what body mods do things to cars. That discussion was very automotive based, but its something people want in the game, so I'm all for that stuff staying. I mean, this game is reality based, so since we have no game to discuss directly right now, real cars are all we have. I say keep it, as long as its related. When people get all side tracked, that can be moved.

Hilg

 

[Jay]

Its just sometimes people try to correct other posters when its clearly a joke, like the spark plug diesel thing and the comment that people have to watch what they say when they make automotive jokes. Thats alittle overtop. If someone doesnt understand something then I or any of you guys will help but always correcting people expecially on jokes Is over the top.

 

[JNasty4G63]

WORD!! 👍

 

[Dave A]

I can agree with that. But would an individual who is NOT an enthusiast, bother to put the time in?

Well when I bought GT1 all thoes years back I was neither a car enthusiast, nor a racing enthusiast and obviousely I wasn't a GT enthusiast. When playing GT it wasn't until I'd allready put plenty of time into the game before I would say I became a GT enthusiast and it was later when I became a car enthusiast not before, so I think you can be a GT enthusiast and not a car enthusiast but I think there has to be at least some interest in cars needed for you to be a GT enthusiast. I hope I've explained that in the right way, your replies will tell me if I have.