Psn/gt5 api?

[gee_sp0t]

This thread is for developers and techy peeps. If you're not really familiar with the term "API" check out wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Application_programming_interface

Any other developers in the house? Sorry if this is in the wrong place mods but I couldn't figure out if it belonged more in another sub-forum or not. I Google'd this thinking it might already exist and I did find a few things related to PSN.

http://www.psnapi.com.ar
http://psnapi.codeplex.com

There are various issues with the above, not the least of which is they are unofficial, non-Sony offerings. Nothing GT5 specific. With all the race series I see being organized and car trades being facilitated through these and other online forums I keep thing it would be really quite amazing if Sony / PD would develop an open API for GT5 and to some extent the PSN. There are already GT fans developing mobile apps for Android, why not give them something to really work with!

I'm not looking for every function to be exposed to the world, I don't even want to work on the racing or graphics. As an example I'm thinking it would be great if we could get some functions exposed that would enable a developer to embed user-related GT5 content and organization into their own application. For instance...

- Pull garage / profile info - list of cars, credits, medals, trophies (PSN)
- Gift cars to other users
- Pull lap times and replay data (not the videos, just maybe the times)
- Send a message

These are all functions existing within GT5 that could be made public fairly easily through an API and would give us a start. I'm probably dreaming here but next-level up from the above would be some more advanced functionality that doesn't necessarily exist yet in the game:

- Create a custom online race series
- Authorize other users as moderators, hosts and admins for the series
- Publish (maybe via a short URL?) and allow other users to apply
- Authorize and reject applications
- Either GT5 / PD dedicated hosting for the races or have it just pick from the best Internet connection in the pool of racers in the list

Just something that I've been pondering since November 24th. Any other developers here? Ideas?

I know... I'm probably dreaming anyways!

 

[LVracerGT]

I wish they would open up the game but I know they won't. One of the greatest things about GTR2 and rFactor on the pc side of sim racing is the community's ability to enhance the game. From add-on cars and tracks to updated textures etc, all done by the community that is dedicated to the sim.

Would also love to see more control over hosting races. The ability to force cockpit view for premium cars and to lock out all aids INCLUDING ABS. I don't know of any racing series that uses ABS. Braking is a skill all racing drivers need to have but I find myself forced to use ABS because it's a disadvantage not to when everyone else is.