We've started Gran Turismo 6 - Yamauchi

By Robert Purchese Published 4 November, 2010

Will probably take five and a half years.

Gran Turismo 5 has been plagued by delays, and whether the game will launch this year still remains to be seen. But that hasn't stopped creator Kazunori Yamauchi revealing that work on the next instalment, Gran Turismo 6, has already begun.

"Yeah," Yamuchi told Autoweek - development is underway.

"It's not something that we can talk that lightly on," he added. "It took 2000 days to get all the ideas that went into GT5.

"It's just too early to be talking about GT6"

Yes, and it was even earlier in August when he last let slip details about Gran Turismo 6.

But 2000 days! That's five-and-a-half years. Not to mention the probable Concept and Gran Turismo 6 Prologue releases we'd have to endure first.

What about Gran Turismo 5, anyway? Kazunori Yamauchi offered a flimsy "I think so" on the likelihood of playing it before Christmas. An announcement should arrive "sometime soon".

Gran Turismo 5 has been a long time coming. Once upon a time, Kazunori Yamauchi promoted a summer 2008 Japan launch, and shortly before we got there Sony America told the world GT5 was "about a year away". Sony Europe said the racing game would be out for Christmas 2009.

Fast-forward to 2009. In June, Yamauchi said Gran Turismo 5 was "at a point [where] we can release it any time we want", and a few months later he confirmed a March 2010 release date for Japan. A European launch, he added, European launch would likely be in the same timeframe. Yamauchi added to the smiles by saying, in October 2009, that Gran Turismo 5 was "basically complete".

For a while, everything was on track: a GT5 Time Trial demo came out in December 2009 and had been downloaded 1 million times by January 2010. But celebrations were short-lived, as Sony soon announced that Gran Turismo 5 had been delayed in Japan - and only Japan, Europe was reassured (presumably because Europe never had a date). A few weeks later, Europe was given an autumn 2010 release date for GT5.

That date became "November" in June 2010, and then "3rd November" in August. Cue plenty of babble about 3D stereoscopic vision and we arrive in October 2010 and the most recent Gran Turismo 5 delay.

Right now, all Sony will say about a new date is that the game is coming out "before Christmas".

Earlier this week, industry sources told Eurogamer there was "not much hope" for Gran Turismo 5 in 2010. Yamauchi popped up a day later claiming discs were being stamped "as we speak". December, remember, is typically a barren month for releases past the first week.

Mind you, it strikes us as strange that Yamauchi would be so talkative if his game had been pushed back to 2011.

And why has Gran Turismo 5 taken so long? Because of Motor Toon Grand Prix on PSone, that's why. Autoweek heard how Yamauchi and his team had been crunching hard trying to "adjust it so it would be perfect". Sony thought the game was fit for release, though, and twisted Yamauchi's arm. It's a decision he's regretted for his entire career.

"At the time, I probably wasn't thinking very clearly, being as exhausted as I was, and I talked myself into thinking this was good enough and it went to release," he recalled. "But all the things I thought were not enough yet, the users said the exact same thing when the game came out.

"That was something I regretted very much when that happened because I knew it was coming. And that happened at the beginning of my career, and it was something I vowed would never happen again."

It does look nice, to be fair.

Picture of Robert.

About Robert Purchese

Bertie is Eurogamer's Senior Staff Writer. When he's not hunting down news stories he's often found playing with his kids or gabbling about fantasy games and strange online worlds. @Clert on Twitter.

Read more articles from Robert by visiting the Robert Purchese archive page.

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Comments (59) Latest comment 2 years ago

Comments for this article are now closed, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • superfurryanimal #1 2 years ago

    your dates and numbers are not trustworthy.

  • spazmo #2 2 years ago

    I wish they had just released the game half assed and kept everyone happy.

  • StolenGlory #3 2 years ago

    Yamauchi.

    You ballbag.

    Finish what is on your plate first. Additionally, it'll be interesting to see how GT6 will match up to Forza 4,5 & 6; all of which will launch in the interim.

  • ElNino9 #4 2 years ago

    LOL

  • madgerald Verified Studio Head of PR & Marketing, Colossal Games LTD #5 2 years ago

    Launch title for PlayStation 5 perhaps?

  • Zomoniac #6 2 years ago

    Like how GT Mobile was a PSP launch title?

  • TopKatt #7 2 years ago

    Yeah, but when will I get to start GT5???

  • tossetaz #8 2 years ago

    Let the man release his game when he wants too, what are you whining about? You should be glad that he takes so much pride and honor in his work that he vowed to never again release a game that he didn't thought finished! That would be a nice lesson for a lot of developers these days - i'm looking at you bethesda and lionhead and your buginfested games!

    "That date became "November" in June 2009", I think you meant to write June 2010.
    Edited by tossetaz at 04/11/10 @ 15:32

  • Mkwone #9 2 years ago

    I think GT6 will be out fairly soonish (well not like GT5 development).They'll use GT5 as a platform - they'll keep the same engine and everything, but add more cars and convert some of the standards to premiums and then add a few more race modes (Karting was supposed to be GT6 but he decided to move it forward). Add in Custom liveries and more community elements maybe and jobs a good un, March 2012 release date.

  • chrisc #10 2 years ago

    Excellent news!

    I'm going to pop down town and stick a quid in a high-interest savings account. By the time it comes out, not only will I have the cash to buy the game, I'll have enough left over for the PS4 to play it on!

  • DrR0b3rts #11 2 years ago

    2000 days to get ideas for Gran Turismo? Mmm, let me see. How about we have cars, some tracks, and encourage the player to drive around them as fast as they can.

  • tachometer #12 2 years ago

    But what does Eurogamer's anonymous industry source have to say on the matter?

  • Moarachanox #13 2 years ago

    OMG BRING IT ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!


    YOUR STAMPING RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!! WE NEEEEEED IT!!!!!!!!!!

    stfu this guy below
    Edited by Moarachanox at 04/11/10 @ 15:33

  • darleysam #14 2 years ago

    So many lies, Yamauchi. Or should I say, Yamaulyneux! Hah!

  • RobTheBuilder #15 2 years ago

    I totally respect his desire for perfection, but Yamauchi's release schedule has more crosses than an Alabama hillside.

    GT6 - Coming 2014...2015...early 2016...mid 2016...q3 2016...xmas 2016...Jan 2017

    I'd love another MTGP though.

  • tossetaz #16 2 years ago

    Haha, alot of funny comments in this thread! *points to chrisc, DrR0b3rts, tachometer and darlaysam* :D

  • captain_Carl #17 2 years ago

    Kaz, you're awesome, but this is one of those times where you should just shut the fuck up

  • NimbusTLD #18 2 years ago

    But when's the demo coming out?
    Edited by NimbusTLD at 04/11/10 @ 15:37

  • richardiox #19 2 years ago

    I cant get over the arrogance of Sony Japan / Polyphony.

    2009 - "We could release this whenever we want"

    Er, no you couldnt.

  • riceNpea #20 2 years ago

    GT5 and 6 have already been released in the alternate universe on the tv show Fringe, lucky bastards

  • sneetch #21 2 years ago

    Earlier this week, industry sources told Eurogamer there was "not much hope" for Gran Turismo 5 in 2010. Yamauchi popped up a day later claiming discs were being stamped "as we speak". December, remember, is typically a barren month for releases past the first week.

    Just a correction there Rob, he didn't "pop up" a day later, the Jalopnik article was dated the 2nd of November, the same day that EG posted the "not much hope" article, someone posted the Jalopnik article in the comments section of that article.

  • kestral #22 2 years ago

    Everytime i try and watch a video, asassin creed takes over.

  • monkie_king #23 2 years ago

    The perfect is the enemy of the good.

  • Velios #24 2 years ago

    MARK THIS DAY !!!

    (and look back on it in 10 years time)

  • GamesConnoisseur #25 2 years ago

    Let people plays GT5 FIRST before you talk about the next one!

    We STILL don't know for sure yet if 2011 or earlier! My guess is Japan and perhaps USA before Xmas but us European due to localisations will be 2011.

    Will ge pleasantly surprised if that not the case.

  • 00.00.01 #26 2 years ago

    @richardiox
    "We could release this whenever we want" .... It's a matter of interpretation it seems. They do seem to release GT5 whenever they want. In the sense of "when are you planning to release this game?" "Ah...welll...like...you know...whenever!"

  • StolenGlory #27 2 years ago

    "GT5 and 6 have already been released in the alternate universe on the tv show Fringe, lucky bastards"

    They also have Olivia Dunham.

    Another reason to forsake this reality.

  • chessboxer #28 2 years ago

    "Gran Turismo 5 has been plagued by delays"

    That's a blatant lie. It's only been delayed twice.

  • Bertie Verified Senior Staff Writer, Eurogamer.net #29 2 years ago

    Let the man release his game when he wants too, what are you whining about? You should be glad that he takes so much pride and honor in his work that he vowed to never again release a game that he didn't thought finished! That would be a nice lesson for a lot of developers these days - i'm looking at you bethesda and lionhead and your buginfested games!

    "That date became "November" in June 2009", I think you meant to write June 2010.

    I did, well spotted - thanks

  • geeza2020 #30 2 years ago

    Might wanna finish the other game you've been working on first.....

  • Skurmedel #31 2 years ago

    When will you review 5 then so I can know whether I should buy it or not :) I've got spare cash this month and I'm aching to get rid of it! Praise Mammon!
    Edited by Skurmedel at 04/11/10 @ 16:06

  • StolenGlory #32 2 years ago

    @tossetaz.

    Open world games will ALWAYS have a higher amount of bugs than more linear titles. It's unavoidable, although some developers really don't help themselves in this regard (Obsidian, i'm looking at you).

    Given the five fucking years plus its taken for GT5 to materialise, I would be absolutely horrifed if it had ANY bugs whatsoever.

  • Typh #33 2 years ago

    Seriously, Yamauchi is a joke....

  • Skurmedel #34 2 years ago

    I'm sure there are bugs, on your Ferrari's windscreen...

    Sorry.

  • ron_aldo #35 2 years ago

    Don't have a problem with the length of time it is taking to make GT5. The only irksome thing is the constant marketing these last few years about it to keep it in the 'consumer's consciousness' .

    btw: GT5 IS finished so he is entitled to start thinking about GT6. It's only red-tape now and manufacturing the disks.

  • Beano #36 2 years ago

    GT6?!?!... OMG! OMG!... Wooot... cancelling GT5 preorder right now!!!1!!

    (not)

  • solidSnake04 #37 2 years ago

    Someone somewhere at Sony or Poly deserves a kick in the nuts. Right in the middle... Just like, aim the kick, kick and then turn around and leave, saying nothing.
    To increase the "Offered value of our GT5 copies that already have 3D and what not", I think this small extra feature (the nut kicking) should be incorporated into the buying process of this game for free.
    Edited by solidSnake04 at 04/11/10 @ 16:19

  • denyason #38 2 years ago

    yamauchi, stop this crap. he is milking all his worth on gt6 when gt5 isn't even done yet. this is a dishonest man. he is a liar. he is getting too big for his boots, he treats the consumer with no respect, giving us false lies after lies. this man is disgusting! give us a final date on gt5, not some crap about gt6 which no one gives a damn about. who cares about gt6? gt5's success is whether you have a job or not. he has lied day after day, since 2006. he has annoyed me big time!
    everything is lies after lies. i was looking forward to it last june, when they said it would defo come. i don't like the man

  • McFly55 #39 2 years ago

    No point in buying 5 so, Ill just wait for 6

  • cianchristopher #40 2 years ago

    I wonder if GT5 will receive any patches at all. It shouldn't need one, that's for sure.

  • neilka #41 2 years ago

    Maybe you'll be able to dent the cars next time.

  • TopKatt #42 2 years ago

    GT5 "was never a product" - Sony

    Tech migrated to GT6.

  • Redeye #43 2 years ago

    But how does GT6 fit in with Sony's 10-year plan for the PS3? Will it scrape in at the last, or pushed back to be a launch title for PS4? And more importantly, how many of you actually facepalmed when you saw that headline?

  • natashaspice #44 2 years ago

    GT6 prologe

  • bslsimes #45 2 years ago

    I am perfectly fine with waiting for something to be absolutely finished before releasing it. I can't help thinking, though, that at some point you have to decide to stop adding new features.

  • KiLlerKnight #46 2 years ago

    Some developers just don't know when to shut up LOL.

  • TrevSkyline #47 2 years ago

    5 words.

    WALK BEFORE YOU CAN RUN!!!

    Seriously? Can this guy take the p**s any further? Release GT5, pat yourself on the back and THEN and only THEN talk about GT6.

    Jeezzzzzzzz......

  • metamorphic #48 2 years ago

    It wasn't a day later that he (Yamauchi) confirmed the game had gone gold, Eurogamer, you were just intentionally late, to give the impression that he said this a day later. In actuality he actually said this BEFORE your false article was posted on this site. This, along with the awful mistake you made claiming Inafune was the "creator" of Mega Man (even though he was only the character designer, makes your "news reports" thoroughly unbelievable. I think it's YOU who needs some sarcasm planted against them, not anyone else, frankly.

  • lemans8833 #49 2 years ago

    Whats the deal EG, were you not invited to the PD Christmas do?

    Your lacklustre coverage of such an iconic series is one thing, the bitterness that comes across in articles quite another.

    I expect EG to rise above fanboy cliches and back an artist who puts everything into his game rather than shoveling out yearly updates which are played for a month or two then discarded.

    GT5 will be played by millions up until the day GT6 is released, it's the time consuming attention to detail that motoring enthusiasts appreciate, clearly EG doesn't have any such people on staff.
    Edited by lemans8833 at 04/11/10 @ 17:42

  • rudedudejude #50 2 years ago

    saw this headline and FUCKINGLOL'DMYHEAD OFF!!! AHAHAHAHA!

  • lemans8833 #51 2 years ago

    'It wasn't a day later that he (Yamauchi) confirmed the game had gone gold, Eurogamer, you were just intentionally late, to give the impression that he said this a day later. In actuality he actually said this BEFORE your false article was posted on this site. This, along with the awful mistake you made claiming Inafune was the "creator" of Mega Man (even though he was only the character designer, makes your "news reports" thoroughly unbelievable. I think it's YOU who needs some sarcasm planted against them, not anyone else, frankly.'

    With regards to GT5 I think it's fairly safe to say EG's credibility is shot.

    Todays attempt to save face does the site no favours.

  • spazmo #52 2 years ago

    He was asked about it in some interview. It's not like he held a press conference for it you dumb fuck.

  • RodHull #53 2 years ago

    And they say Molyneux's full of guff.

  • dingo75 #54 2 years ago

    I have to admit I'm impressed!
    That guy really has some huge balls!

    Respect!

  • bazza #55 2 years ago

    I doubt any of us will live long enough to enjoy GT6. But, here's hoping that our children, and their children, will enjoy it as much as we might enjoy GT5, should it ever make it to the shelves.

  • callum9999 #56 2 years ago

    kestral - Same, and it's a dreadful advert! Dance music doesn't really fit in with a cloaked assassin riding a horse...

  • thomaspower0 #57 2 years ago

    Valve developes stuff very slowly too.

  • Lunatic4ever #58 2 years ago

    five and a half? now that's very precise ,aint it?

  • renzo #59 2 years ago

    I would like another Tourist Trophy please Mr. Yamauchi.