Gran Turismo 5 Sells Another 1 Million Copies in 2011, Now at 7.3 Million Total

Polyphony Digital has updated their title sales list, and the new numbers are impressive. Between January and September of 2011, Gran Turismo 5 moved an additional 1 million copies. This brings the game’s total sales up to 7.3 million, and helped push the entire series past 64.7 million sold.

Despite the big numbers, GT5 still falls quite short of Polyphony Digital’s highest-selling game, Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec, at 14.8 million copies, and remains the fourth most popular game of the series. However, as GT5 stays in the news with frequent updates and new downloadable content, it may hold sales momentum throughout 2012.

Here’s some more surprising statistics about the GT series over the past year (2010’s numbers, for comparison, are available here):

  • Gran Turismo 4 – now over six years old and built for the PlayStation 2 – picked up an additional 190,000 sales in 2011, bringing its total to 11.38 million
  • GT5: Prologue – now over three years old – sold an additional 130,000 copies, despite GT5’s availability
  • Gran Turismo PSP – now over two years old – sold another 370,000 copies 2011, bringing its total to 2.69 million

Congratulations to Polyphony Digital on another great year, and thanks to roberto for the tip!

GT5 Photomode image by chromatic9.

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Comments (129)

  1. Magic Ayrton

    That’s your opinion, maybe we are bored of buying the same old things, seriously… waited one year to be able to change wheels on standard cars. No real improvement.

    1. Nuuj

      +1 Magic, I’ve played GT since the very 1st release and before GT5 it was always jaw dropping how much the game evolved from the last, after waiting 6 years for this one I was not expecting ‘Standard’ cars to be recycled cars from GT4, I understood the ‘no interiors’ warning–but we were still not fully informed that the bulk of the vehicles would be PS2 iterations and many of them duplicates of each other.. PD has done an unprecedented job at mending and improving on this game, but the feeling I felt when I saw those same cars on my PS3 that were on my PS2 years and years ago pissed me right off, and the new editions to their roster of machines were not as broad and varied as hyped–part of the problem is our fault; our impatience may have pushed Sony into forcing Polyphony into a rush-job, but past that this is just a reflection of the gaming business as a whole.. The people who were against the whole “games with dlc movement” were against it for the very reason we see before us; companies releasing games they know are not at their best, or missing content, and then serving it up later as dlc–and making more coin in the process.. GT5 is absolutely the best Racing Sim/Game available out there, but it could have been much much better.. You can say I’m just complaining if you want, but GT is the only racing series I have kept playing through the years and my loyalty is without question, but if we sit around and accept anything–just like the rest of the gaming industry, they’ll give a little less and take a little more.. This is business before anything else, and we have to play hard ball too– instead of chomping down dog food when we used to get steak..

    2. iridegravity

      ^^ Yup. If you have been around a while and are in love this game. You hate to see it take a turn like this. I will give PD lot’s of Credit for not fleecing us just yet even if the DLC a little soft. The patches/fixes to go with them are much appreciated. Fixing the Standard rims issue was critical IMO to avoid looking like you didn’t deliver on the promises you made on the box. This won’t be a complete title for me though until they get some matchmaking and or sort the online issues yet.

  2. TonyLomas

    Technically, according to the figures in the links. GT5 is the fifth best selling, not the fourth, behind GT3, 4, 1 & 2. Although, it’s obviously got a few years of catching up to do.
    I wonder how GT compares with other games? It’s hard to get clear comparisons because most games are released on 3 platforms these days.

    1. Trix

      While PD does seem committed to the PS3…does anyone think it would be cool to see GT5 cross-platform? Maybe not on the Xbox, but on the PC and PSP?

      Cross-platform online gaming rocks, and I am really shocked that more software companies don’t implement it. I know its a total pipe dream, but hey, wouldn’t that be awesome?!

    2. Magic Ayrton

      All the money they generate by churning out the same old unfinished game.. no word on expanding, making more interesting cars and at least giving us the tracks from the previous iterations.. poor really… and yet we keep buying into it.. well I am starting tomorrow by saying no to poor dlc.

      That aside, I congratulate sales worldwide for GT5.. all things considered.

    3. TokoTurismo

      To be honest, I don’t really care what anyone saids about the dlc, lets just hope next time it’ll have more cars in it or atleast old GT tracks. But either way, I’m still getting it, because I actaully like the cars that are in it, in which my love for cars. And I also believe the word “unfinished” is really getting old and boring now, seriously…

  3. Mohamu

    Hey Kaz, please spend the money you’ve earned to make a much better game than this.. If you need more 6 years, than you need, but please don’t release an other half finished game in the future. R.I.P. GT5 :(

    1. MyFavoriteGame

      Yeah, I think all the true GT fans turned a blind eye to GT5s shortcomings, things such as standard cars and standard track which would have stood a chance an other games were tolerated here because of the respect the Gran Turismo brand has garnered,…but if this happens again its not gonna be the same. Surprise us PD…give us a complete game

  4. yogaflame

    Yes Gt5 sold millions but I’m sure almost 70% of them including me has not touch the game for while. Its unfair for GT fans, because we want too see balance and new gameplay, this is Ps3 we are talking about.

  5. Lambofanghini

    Congrats Kaz and PD. Let’s hope this is only the beginning, because to sell many more would mean the game just keeps getting better, and better. Keep up the much appreciated free updates and decent DLC, and Happy Holidays.

  6. M_thoroughbred

    They do have a big budget. PD is like a spoiled child it can do anything it wants and take as long as it want and Sony can’t even say anything. as far as budget goes trust when I say they have a big one. The reason I love this game is not just the graphics or how many cars it has. It’s because of the history that this game has when it comes to sim racing. PD made a franchise at a time that no one was making games like this on consoles. That’s the reason I keep coming back to play this. Forza is a good racing alternative if you don’t have a playstation. But one thing I noticed about that game is that it doesn’t have history.

  7. Bitterman

    Great news and good luck on keeping up the sales momentum PD! Now maybe use a little of that revenue and make Tourist Trophy 2? Pretty please? Afterall Kaz, you did say the GT5 engine would support bikes, so how about it?

  8. daus26

    I just hope all of those people, if not most at least, have internet access, otherwise they’d be stuck with GT5 1.0!

  9. Tenacious D

    TBH, every popular game gets bundled, so let’s discount every game that sold a lot. ;D

    Anyhow, you naysayers can whine all you want, but with GT4 and even Prologue continuing to sell, this is a testament to how popular and appealing the Gran Turismo series is. Sure, there are other racing games, but there’s only one Gran Turismo. Long live the King!

    1. SCUD77

      I’m not naysaying, just stating that a good chunk of the 2011 sales are probably down to bundle sales rather than specific targeted purchases (not a bad thing either way). And with Sony being “on track” to sell 15 million ps3 consoles this year that doesn’t seem an outlandish statement. Typical though, stright on the defensive all through misinterpreting someone’s comment.

  10. yogaflame

    Bad it still sucks that Gt turned into a Nissan game. It sad that we don’t see much European and American exotic cars and sports cars. Forza is now an a different level which won them tons of awards. Gt is still on the 90’s era

    1. HKSBro92

      its a japanese company. They’re will always be alot of japanese cars. Its more accessible to them. And I don’t think GT is stuck in the 90s era. I don’t remember seeing a Gallardo or an Audi R8 in the 90s. Who cares if Forza won tons of awards. Justin Bieber wons tons of awards but does that make him a good singer? Think about it….

    2. TokoTurismo

      For me, I don’t really care about not having exotics cars in GT5. Forza’s name meaning is “Strength or Power” is why it has those cars in it’s game, which means you won’t be seeing any other cars that are slow. Such as the “classic Fiat 500 and a Mini Copper” Which makes me sad. GT’s meaning is “Grand Tourer” or “Grand Touring” for something that has something to do with racing. But not just racing, but the cars too, but taking their time for them. So I don’t care if Forza has this or that, I love the way Gran Turismo has been, and always have been to all of us. I hope to see the “Fiat 500 Abarth” the classic version.

      http://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/1966_Fiat_500_Berlina_Abarth_Corsa_Tribute_Front_1.jpg

      http://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/1966_Fiat_500_Berlina_Abarth_Corsa_Tribute_Rear_1.jpg

    3. NA

      Ahh, ok, golf carts. That makes more sense. I was sitting here thinking “three banger econo boxes are not fast cars…” . lol

    4. MyFavoriteGame

      GT5 is as current as it gets…awards don’t make a game great… not that Forza isn’t a great game, but its no GT5….. night/day cycles, wet/dry cycles, fully animated pit crews etc,….how exactly is GT5 stuck in the 90’s?,….by having too many Japanese cars?….please, gimme a break

  11. MorphicJim

    Bravo PD….the GT series is part of my life now!….More tarmac in DLCs then?…. A TDU2/open world style game but with GT physics would be wonderful….and where oh where is the BMW 325i E30???? You know, the original beautiful twin head lamp one…how can it not be in GT??….had one, loved it, and it saved my life once by going around a corner it should never have been able to!…..That said, my gracious thanks to you all at PD…. : )

  12. TokoTurismo

    Yahoo. :D I’m so glad Gran Turismo was my first and ever simulation racing game when I was young. :) And super duper happy that it sold 7.3 million. *v* I hope soon, it’ll sale more up to 10 million. That’ll be one of my dreams I hope for. ;) Thank you Kaz and PD, you’re the best. ^-^

  13. young car joc

    now for this. we should get a gumpert apollo dlc car for free. if there is anything in the world my crew wants. that would be a gumpert apollo to wipe out the pac on nurb

  14. DaihatsuDriver

    I wonder how many GT5 sales were to people with triple screen setup.

    Also I found a sealed copy of GT4 in the bargain bin at Wal-Mart and considered buying it last month, but I didn’t know if I could play it on my PS3.

    1. GT_Die_Hard

      @RACECAR

      I have a launch model and i can’t play any PS2 game, unfortunately. This feature was removed from the PS3 due to little failures.

  15. SaintSaiya

    @shurnster yeah but grid and dirt have LICENCED REAL CARS that get totaled real bad, why not gt5? i know that dirt and grid are not SIMS, but they both have REAL CARS so whats up? are CODEMASTERS that special the they were allowed to do that? or PD had to pay more for the extra or what? they always say its because of the car manufacturer, but CODEMASTERS proves that is a lie, they licenced REAL CARS even FERRARIS and bugatti in dlc and all dectructible, so WHY NOT PD?

    1. shurnster

      The GT series is one of the most well knowing racing games out there. This is PD’s first time implementing damages (which could be why). Who knows, maybe the license didn’t fully go through. I remember when Kaz said some of the manufactures will allow you to have damage on their cars, and manufactures like Ferrari doesn’t like their cars taking damage. That probably explains why some damages are limited while others like Rally cars have a better damage model.

      I really do hope that PD put more realism in that area for instance having airbags come out from the stock cars and not being able to drive anymore at a certain speed like real life which would be interesting to see.

    2. RACECAR

      Has it occured to you that Dirt and Grid’s cars all race cars? Of course those games can do more damage because there is nothing bu purpose built race cars so there is no issues with the politics over how a Manufacterer’s Road cars are represented.

    3. lebes14

      I hate when brands like Ferrari ruin a game because of that rubbish. Get over yourselves and how us some carnage! I really can’t feel the level of immersion I’d prefer without a proper consequences model.

  16. omgitsbees

    I hope these sale numbers convince Polyphony Digital to try harder next time on GT6. They got lucky on this one, releasing a very lackluster game at launch, and people still supported it anyways. I don’t think they will be so fortunate next time though. Sale numbers don’t tell the whole story and you can’t go off these numbers as the only indicator of a good game. That would be like saying the Twilight books are the best thing ever because they’ve made a ton of money and sold a lot of copies.

    1. another_jakhole

      Yup, PD hardly tried when they were creating GT5.

      It’s unbelievable how untrue that statement is. Could it BE any more wrong?

    2. lebes14

      Stop being a jack hole, everyone knows the game pretty underwhelming, they’ve patched it marvelously, but I’ve read hundreds of statements saying they won’t buy gt6 first week. There were many blatant flaws in GT that we’ve overlooked for gt5, but it’s clear that they lost fans with this game and if they do it again they will lose more due to the seeming lack of progression and evollution of the game. Personally, imma per order gt6, I love gt5 and will take what PD offers me whatever it be.

    3. AnPrionsaBeag

      They probably lost some prestige too. GT5 is a good game but despite its looks, it’s still leagues below GT4.

  17. daus26

    I’m very happy to see this. If anything, GT5 suffered from its long development time, and seemingly mixed management decisions. Apart from the below than expected feedback from the critics, this is something to be proud of. I’m confident that they will be more organized in the future, which will translate to an even stronger and more successful entry to the franchise, that is perhaps GT6.

    Best of luck for the future PD!

    1. OldF@rt

      One thing I respect about PD is that while the game was IMHO a project management stuff-up and came out very much incomplete, they’ve persisted with it with free update after free update and turned it into something dramatically better, listening to fans on the way.

      Compare and contrast with other promising driving games such as Test Drive Unlimited2 (stuck with joke physics) and Shift 2 (potentially great racing game ruined on the PS3 by input lag) where glaring faults have gone unfixed and probably never will be.

      Unlike others, PD is committed to the game for the long term.

    2. daus26

      Yes, because of that, I’ll be buying all their DLCs as my way of saying thanks, also in hopes that it’ll make GT6 a better game if it may.

    3. Bom15

      @old fart. Agree with you totally. That makes PD way better than any other gaming company in my opinion. But with Shiift 2 you missed the fact the physics on it totally suck. Its way to light. its like your driving on ice or something. Grid is way better and alot older. I’m pretty annoyed with shift 2 as the bug where i can’t drive anything but a lvl 1 car has happened to me. DLC’s useless now to.

  18. HKSBro92

    I forced my 2 friends to buy this game last week. They were hesitant at first but now they’re hooked! Especially after finding out their dream cars in the game (Lexus LFA and Mclaren MP4-12C). This game is a must-have for anyone that loves cars (stay away from need for speed!! The new one; need for speed the run, is horrible!!)

    1. BlindZenDriver

      Something like this happen a lot. Let’s face it. GT5 is not the easiest game to get into but once you’re hooked then… :-)

      PS: The last good Need for Speed was Need for Speed – Porsche and I’d kill for a good remake of it. After that it became multi-platform and trying to hard to be all things for all men.

    1. iridegravity

      Guessing that says more about the servers than anything. 7.3 million in no way related to online players. We would know if Sony/PD published or shared the numbers though. Guessing theres a reason they don’t brag about it like they do about sales.

    2. XXI

      Most of the players I see online daily are the usual crowds reopening the same lobbies. That’s a good thing of course, but the online racing has gotten better. I used to be able to enter a lobby and do quite well. You have to give it your all today for a win. Congratulations Polyphony Digital! Keep the cars and tracks coming.

    3. FahrerGott

      Rarely have a problem finding a *Clean race or kick* server here in Aus. Could be to do with time zones with Europe.
      Infinitely better than trying to find a decent race on Forza 4. (I really hate that game)

  19. SaintSaiya

    all that money and cant even implement a good damage, what happened to the damage that they said would be according to speed and angle of impact? why did the best buy demo had a better damage? stll happy for PD

    1. DaihatsuDriver

      At least with crappy damage I don’t have to worry about falling asleep while I’m racing. A couple of endurance races I woke up parked in front of a barrier O_o

    2. M_thoroughbred

      I think its the system limitation. Damage and shadows were affected do to the system’s memory. I always though that if the had taken some this standard cars out of the game gt5 would have been a much better looking game and smoother too. I love this game don’t get me wrong. Buy we don’t need 20 variations of the same car. Still in all best game ever in my eyes

  20. DarthRaiden666

    There is 4 copies in my house, my sisters copy. my normal copy, collectors edition (UK one) and a sealed copy of the platinium edition.

    Viva la GT5

  21. fourliter

    Hmm, GT3 is the biggest seller overall?

    It’s odd to me, since it is the only one in the series (including TT) that I didn’t buy in the first week of release. (I didn’t have a PS2 at the time). It’s therefore the one I’ve played the least.

    1. OldF@rt

      I think the secret with GT3 was that it was a launch title for the PS2 and really showed off the new console’s capabilities. GT1 and GT2 came relatively late in the life of the PSX, and ditto GT4 for the PS2.

      Had GT5 been a launch title for the PS3 (as it was supposed to!) rather than four years later, I think it would have outsold GT3. But it would have been a very different game.

    2. CarbonCore

      Its was also bundled with PS2 like crazy, it was a showpiece of what PS2 could do. Thats one reason why its did those crazy GTA numbers.

  22. RoarOfZonda

    Lol why would people buy GT5 PRologue still? that game was like a demo. why pay for a demo? haha
    Congrats PD! This is a nice little milestone! Keep up the great work and let’s hope we can see GT6 debut soon? :D

    1. BlindZenDriver

      Compared to many other racing games it’s a full game. Not a big game but a game and remember it’s sold at a low price.

    1. MadmuppGT

      I hammered that to the very last days till I sold my PSP (making room and cash for a Vita) but true I played it so much it never left my little handheld for months at a time!

    2. TeamCZRRacing

      @MadmuppGT I got my PSP Gran Turismo Limited Edition just under a year ago and it’s still the only PSP game I have. I’m never going to sell it, either. Why? More GT, that’s why. :D

  23. Obli

    Congrats PD. I hope you continue to support and evolve GT5. It’s come a long way and there’s still a lot of room for improvement and a lot of hunger for DLC!

    1. Trix

      Do you think that they will take the time to make all the DLC cars premium cars? The silhouette interior is a nice compromise, but I like the added realism of a full interior when I race!

    1. Witless76

      So if I can only get into the 4000th place in the current time trial, is that out of 7.3 million? If so, then I’m happy!

    1. lespaulguy

      Yes, Crash Bandicoot 3 was one of my favorite games ever! Next to GT of course! I’d love a remake of one of those games

    2. grzajabarkus

      Too bad Activision bought all rights to Crash Bandicoot. Naughty Dog can’t make any more crash games unless Activison re-sold it to Sony. But it would be great if ND did it!

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