Similar to its predecessors Gran Turismo Sport is a racing game and will include three game modes: “Campaign”, “Sports Mode” and “Arcade Mode”. Both offline and online racing will feature in the game. The game has been described as different from the “Prologue” titles seen in the past in the series and will feature more content. Unlike Gran Turismo 5 and 6, the game does not feature dynamic weather system and day-night cycle. However, players still have the option to modify the race’s time of day before entering the race. It will have 177 cars and 27 configurations of 19 locations to race on. For the first time in the series, the game will feature Porsche vehicles included in the game after Electronic Arts had lost their exclusive licensing rights to the Porsche brand (previous Gran Turismo games only included RUF as a substitute).
The FIA aims to formally ratify the Gran Turismo Online Championship at the next World Motorsport Council meeting. Two championships will be held simultaneously throughout the year: the Nations Cup, where players represent their country, and the Manufacturers Cup, where players represent their favourite car manufacturer. Once ratified, the FIA will manage the series directly as they would with any of their other race series. The winners of the championships will be honoured at the FIA’s annual prize-giving ceremony in Paris.
The Nations Cup and the Manufacturers Cup will have “live” components similar to the regional finals held in the GT Academy competition. Organised online events are planned to be held on a regular basis.
Gran Turismo Sport was originally announced to be fully compatible with Sony Interactive Entertainment’s virtual reality headset, PlayStation VR. The experience while playing was described by series creator Kazunori Yamauchi as “very good and very natural”. However, it was announced later that VR support would be limited to a special VR Tour Mode.
Polyphony Digital and TAG Heuer announced a partnership for the game. TAG Heuer will serve as the official timekeeper and watch brand for Gran Turismo Sport, where its “Live Timing Technology” will be utilized to measure all in-game time. Additionally, TAG Heuer will be integrated into the museum section of Gran Turismo Sport, showcasing the history of the Swiss watch maker.
