Racing down the speedway, Polyphony Digital has the pedal to the metal as it approaches the release of Gran Turismo 7.
In a closed-door media session, Polyphony Digital offered a taste of what to expect from the latest Gran Turismo title. I also had the chance to hear from Kazunori Yamauchi, studio president and game designer on Gran Turismo 7. Polyphony Digital is taking a bold approach to showcase and celebrate car culture with mass appeal to all audiences.
Utilizing the PlayStation 5 to its full potential, Gran Turismo 7 appears to introduce new innovations to the series while catering to car enthusiasts and casual racing fans alike.
Gran Turismo 7 will see the return of the World Map. Here, players can navigate between core features and content the game offers such as ‘Garage,’ ‘World Circuits,’ ‘Cafe,’ and multiplayer.
This will act as the hub for players along their journey and familiar elements are utilized. However, Polyphony Digital has integrated new features as well.
A core concept Gran Turismo 7 is built on is the “Car Life Simulator,” this sandbox world that players will interact and race in that breeds car culture and driving simulation. Cornerstone systems that help support this direction include physics-based graphics, dynamic weather and day/night cycles. On top of that, a content and sharing system, multiplayer suite, and replay engine all support the game.
At launch, Gran Turismo 7 will offer over 400 vehicles. Although Polyphony Digital has not detailed a full list of which cars are included, they range from entry models to Legendary cars. The Used Car marketplace will offer a consistent rotation of vehicles to purchase in-game for players, similar to previous installments.
Gran Turismo 7 will offer 34 locations to race through with a total of 90 different layouts at launch. Real-world tracks have been incorporated into the game alongside others that the team has put together. Each track hosts various races and activities, differentiating Gran Turismo 7 from previous installments. Activities include events such as Sunday Cup and Clubman Cup.
The Café acts as an accessible gateway for players. Peeling back the layers of the world of Gran Turismo, the game will offer assignments via the ‘Menu Book.’ There are over 30 core quests within the Menu Book. Completion of these assignments will help players achieve the overall “ending” of the game’s campaign. Though, there’s still much more supplemental content to complete.
Polyphony Digital confirmed that Gran Turismo 7 will offer a performance and fidelity mode on PlayStation 5. The ‘Performance Mode’ offers “the highest frame rate possible throughout the game” — 60fps. ‘Fidelity mode,’ dubbed ‘Ray Tracing Mode,’ as you may have guessed, offers Ray Tracing in select modes. These modes include Photo Mode and Replays where “players’ quick response time is not really required.”
Audio is also a big part of Gran Turismo 7. As expected, the game supports 3D Spatial Audio. Yamauchi detailed that the game will use third-order Ambisonics. This helps create 16 channel equivalent soundscapes, with different sound reflectors imitating materials and surroundings. Best used with headphones, the audio design will help pinpoint and identify the different layers in the audio. From the wheels spinning on the pavement to the sound of rain hitting the vehicle’s windows or roof, it all adds to an immersive driving experience. 3D Spatial Audio will also help differentiate sounds depending on angles and if it bounces off soft or hard material.
“On the PlayStation 4, it could take up to a minute for a track to load.”
On top of the general, organic soundscape, Gran Turismo 7 features 75 artists and 300 individual tracks across several genres.
Gran Turismo 7 intends to utilize the features supported by the PlayStation 5 DualSense. I was told that haptics will be fully supported with vibrations used between different surface textures. The DualSense haptics will also be felt as players race down the laneway and skid across the track. As the engine picks up, the DualSense is able to calibrate and reflect that to the player. On top of that, using the PlayStation 5’s SSD, the transition from the World Hub to racing is near-instant.
“On the PlayStation 4, it could take up to a minute for a track to load. That’s because we have to load the entire data for the world into memory. To enable the drivers to get onto the track, the same thing can take less than a second on the PlayStation 5. It’s hard to say if you can even call it a transition anymore when it’s that fast to load,” said Yamauchi.
Yamauchi went on to state that Gran Turismo 7 will not utilize the DualSense’s onboard speaker.
Of course, since Gran Turismo is a racing simulator, customization and tuning will play a big part in the experience. In the title, the vehicle’s overall performance and stats are displayed onscreen. As the player fine-tunes their vehicle, the changes are reflected in real-time. The sheer number of customization options is staggering and there seems to be a lot to sink your teeth into if you’re a gearhead.
On top of the standard racing and tuning aspects of Gran Turismo, Polyphony Digital has also developed a suite of user-generated content for players. With a game sporting as much graphical fidelity as Gran Turismo 7, a ‘Photo Mode’ that captures stills of vehicles and landscapes is welcomed. User-created Liveries are also be supported, with the ‘Showcase’ hub acting as a way for players to share content with one another. Liveries and stamps made in Gran Turismo Sport are confirmed to carry over to Gran Turismo 7.
Yamauchi also shared more information about Gran Turismo 7‘s Music Rally. This mode is dedicated be more laid-back and fuses gameplay with music. Music Rally encourages players to take in the sights and sounds of the game without feeling compelled to be competitive. It seems like it’s very accessible to new players and provides a fresh hook for racing veterans.
“The point is to listen to the music. It’s not made to be very difficult. It’s really geared for beginner drivers. But really good drivers can actually still play around a little bit while they play the mode,” said Yamauchi.
Gran Turismo 7 is set to debut on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 on March 4th, 2022. The title is available at Best Buy for the PS5 for $89.99.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
