GT creator plans revolution

By Rob Fahey Published 31 August, 2006

PS3 is his weapon, apparently.

The latest PR missive from the Sony mothership in Tokyo comes this week in the form of a video interview with Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi, which is hosted on the firm's official PS3 "concept" website and explores the Polyphony Digital boss' great big love for the forthcoming console.

Okay, yes, it's quite clearly a carefully PR-managed piece of spin masquerading as a real interview, and it's universally positive and glowing in its praise for the PlayStation 3 (a bit like all the other PR-conducted interviews and, dare we say it, ostensibly "unofficial" but clearly corporate-approved insider blogs which have sprung up like a rash around the industry of late) - but buried in the marginally-more-tolerable-in-a-foreign-language hype are a few interesting titbits about Yamauchi's view on next-gen development.

For a start, Mr Gran Turismo reckons that he's now finally happy with a videogame console in terms of physics modelling power. PlayStation and PS2 couldn't manage the degree of simulation he wanted in his games, he tells us - but the PS3 will do "true" physics, which is presumably code for "good enough to look real".

Assuming it's not just more "jacking into the Matrix" style spin, this could be worth considering for fans of simulation-style racing games; like it or loathe it, Gran Turismo is a game which prides itself on its realism, and if Yamauchi reckons PS3 (and presumably, by extension, other next-gen systems such as the Xbox 360 and high end PCs) packs enough of a punch to bring physics in those games up to scratch, then this generation could be a golden era for simulation-focused games.

On the topic of graphics, Yamauchi says that he's "surprised" at the major impact of moving everything to high definition, and thinks that players will probably be somewhat shocked by how much of a difference it makes to the games they play. Yes, we know the Xbox 360 users are looking smug right now, but bear in mind that this interview is for the Japanese market - they sell more condoms in the Vatican in an average week than they sell Xbox 360s in Japan.

Interestingly, Yamauchi also claims that while making high definition content is really hard for developers because of the level of detail involved ("on the same level as movies," he claims), he does believe that game developers have a big advantage over those working on bringing other types of content into high definition. Games have "unusual potential" because they are the fastest and simplest way to produce high quality hi-def content, he says, which could give them the edge over movies.

Of course, it wouldn't be a PlayStation 3 PR interview without a lovely soundbite which Sony will now proceed to be mocked over for months. This time, it's Yamauchi's claim that as a developer, he wants to make products that "change society." "For us, the PlayStation 3 is a weapon for revolution," he concludes. Whether he'll be spurring this revolution by jacking into the Matrix and fighting a giant enemy crab remains a closely guarded secret.

Picture of Rob.

About Rob Fahey

Rob Fahey is a former editor of GamesIndustry.biz who spent several years living in Japan and probably still has a mint condition Dreamcast Samba de Amigo set.

Read more articles from Rob by visiting the Rob Fahey archive page.

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Comments (42) Latest comment 6 years ago

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  • Steroyd #1 6 years ago

    he tells us - but the PS3 will do "true" physics, which is presumably code for "good enough to look real".

    Is that a coded Japaneese way for saying "we'll now apply damage models to cars" :-)

    I hope so.

  • xAx #2 6 years ago

    Massive damage models

  • brainbird #3 6 years ago

    Changing society, hm?
    I prefer it like it is. You know, when cars don't run over you just because you're in the way.

  • Arwin #4 6 years ago

    Being a bit of a self-proclaimed GT4 expert and afficionado, I know exactly what his physics comment is alluding to. Way back in the days when the PS3 was first starting to get into the picture, Yamauchi explained that they had developed a physics modelling system for GT, of which they could only fit about 10% into GT4 because that was the limit of what the PS2 could handle. So what he clearly means now is that the game can handle the other 90%.

    Whether we will actually see that other 90% will still depend partly on the manufacturors - some, for instance, are very sensitive about at which speed their car is going to flip over when you twist the wheel hard at high speed. (Some people may remember a certain famous 'Moose test' done on a certain low-price version of a certain well-known German automobile manufacturer)

    This comment, in other words, is not in any way related to the graphics - unlike, say, his comment on HD. The latter is of course also a prelude to GT:HD in which case he's suggesting that just bringing GT4 up to HD resolution makes all the difference.

    (By the way, after we also had the Nintendo Revolution for a while, I'm starting to suspect that the word revolution has more subtle meanings in Japanese ... )

    Oh, and as always, Kaz' primary weakness is actually getting a game out there. If GT:HD is actually released near launchtime with some kind of online functionality, that'll be a small revolution in itself. ;)
    Edited by 2 at 31/08/06 @ 19:05

  • Machina #5 6 years ago

    hehe love the condoms line - classic.

  • LOLLERS #6 6 years ago

    "So he's not played a PC racing game then."

    He's talking about consoles specifically, but I know what you're saying. GPL was presumably doing 'true' physics (whatever that means) about a decade ago.

    I wonder what GTR on the 360 will be like...
    Edited by 1 at 31/08/06 @ 19:19

  • chupachups #7 6 years ago

    "This comment, in other words, is not in any way related to the graphics - unlike, say, his comment on HD"

    Surely though you could get better physics by lowering the graphics standards, so more of the console's resources are devoted to physics?

  • captainrentboy #8 6 years ago

    So basically Gran Turismo's going to get a whole lot more boring in the next gen yes?I've never played a game so tedious,and so lacking in any element that remotely resembles fun before.And isn't that what these console games are meant to be?Fun!Give me the Burnout series any day of the week :)

  • LOLLERS #9 6 years ago

    "Surely though you could get better physics by lowering the graphics standards, so more of the console's resources are devoted to physics?"

    You'd think that, except physics doesn't sell games because it's dull.
    Edited by 1 at 31/08/06 @ 19:39

  • Xerx3s #10 6 years ago

    they sell more condoms in the Vatican in an average week than they sell Xbox 360s in Japan.

    He shoots. He scores! GOOOOAAAAAAAAAAALLLL!! \0/

    ;)

  • Frogger #11 6 years ago

    Take this interview, replace "Playstation 3" by "Playstation 2", add some "Emotion Engine" here and there, shake for ten seconds and you get a genuine 1999 interview.

  • faust_jnr #12 6 years ago

    If you want real driving, buy car. Sit in traffic jams for hours, wait for the AA to show up on cold winter mornings, pay for servicing...... how much fun is that? I'd rather have Burnout style fake real fun any day.

  • valli #13 6 years ago

    Take this interview, replace "Playstation 3" by "Playstation 2", add some "Emotion Engine" here and there, shake for ten seconds and you get a genuine 1999 interview.

    Excellent comparison, if the next GT delivers the same impact GT3 had when it first came out!

  • rudedudejude #14 6 years ago

    lol, Awesome comment Frogger, so SO True.

    Let's hear a W0000000000t For the EMOTION ENGINE!!!!

  • fawe3 #15 6 years ago

    Well Grand Prix Legends have better physics than any other console game and it came out before ps2 and xbox. I realy dont know where all the procesing power is going for new games. Maybe they'll finaly get a damage model into it, but even that is not very new. Anyone remmember Viper racing that had excelent damage and drive model and all that the same year GPL came out?

  • Freek #16 6 years ago

    But we don't physics, we want good racing AI! Throw the "almight Cell" at that and improve the racing experience.

  • Les #17 6 years ago

    Judging from the first batch of so called next-gen titles, I wouldn't count on any decent AI soon. As it wasn't that important in last-gen titles, I suspect that there aren't enough programmers that can do proper AI. I guess we'll have to wait till the first batch has finished their education. So maybe around 720 and PS4, we'll see some intelligent behaviour in NPCs.

  • chronom4n #18 6 years ago

    graphically, GT4 was way ahead in the stakes compared to other racing games. Run Forza and GT4 parallell to each other and you will see what I mean. But in terms of physics? I feel that Forza is more hardcore. In GT4 by switching off the TC and ASM, the car was still driveable. But in Forza, switch everything off and the cars become really hard to steer into a turn. It would take deft control to drive the car. Sorr i think i am going off on another subject. But, I think this time Kaz and PD are more or less implying that they are going to be able to model car damage to its fullest because the power of the PS3 will be able to handle what his ridiculously talented team can throw at it. and yes, if the graphics were dumbed down in GT4 the AI would have been much better. The way GT's AI works is relative to your skills. But here is a question..with no rumble in the PS3 controllers, how is PD going to make a realistic game? without rumble the games realism becomes very neutered.

  • secombe #19 6 years ago

    So he doesn't specifically state that we are actually going to get some AI that is remotely intelligent. And damage won't happen because they would have to get consent from every manfacturer, which is unlikely at best.

    Wonderful, more cars and prettier graphics it is then... :) I will stick to GT Legends thanks.
    Edited by 1 at 01/09/06 @ 00:34

  • Mordum #20 6 years ago

    @chronom4n

    I'm glad to see other people think the rumble is important in these games. I can't imagine taking corners without being able to 'feel' how well the tyres are gripping the road... as you take a long sweeping turn, and very slowly you 'feel' the increasing rumble from your pad as your back end begins to get away from you, ample warning to correct it. Really adds to the immersive qualities.
    Edited by 1 at 01/09/06 @ 00:39

  • MasterThief #21 6 years ago

    Pfft. Forza Motorsport is the new King of this subgenre. Who cares about Gran Turismo anymore, anyway?

    /turns head and ignores the ten hands that shoot up into the air

  • Monkey_Chops #22 6 years ago

    "they sell more condoms in the Vatican in an average week than they sell Xbox 360s in Japan."

    Heh.

  • Segnit #23 6 years ago

    Not a single intelligent message yet? Fine, i'll take the liberty...

    GT4 sucks, said the owner of the game who has gotten all golds on all license tests.
    GT3 sucks even more for its on rails phycsics and shrunken in size gameplay.
    GT2 good expansion over the original.
    GT1 The original cornerstone of a simulator.

    GT HD - GT4 again? No thanks.
    GT5? True, potential exists but like who's gonna wait for 3 more years to get their hands on a decent simulator? And can we trust Kaz to finally, after 4 attempts (5 if you count GTHD) focus the series on AI and a redifnied career structure?

    ...btw i was kidding about the intelligent msg thingy. Boo hoo.

  • 3william56 #24 6 years ago

    You spent all that time and effort to get golds on a game that sucks? Wow. What do you do for one you actually like? Cut a t*sticle off?

  • Razz #25 6 years ago

    The best GT for me wil always be GT1.

    /hugs Mitsubishi GTO

    I spent days tweaking that thing. It was the most powerful GTO on the planet! :)

  • Dizzy #26 6 years ago

    Well I guess we will have to wait until PS4 to finally have the power to model AI and damage.

  • valli #27 6 years ago

    Razz, I'm sure you mean Mitsubishi FTO... :D

  • Scimarad #28 6 years ago

    "But here is a question..with no rumble in the PS3 controllers, how is PD going to make a realistic game? without rumble the games realism becomes very neutered."

    I really don't see this an issue - I've got rumble turned off on my 360 and I really can't I've even noticed its absence on PGR3.

    Although GT4 is more realistic I have to say the split screen multiplayer on PGR3 is about the most fun I've ever had on a racing game. I think despite the serious lack of content (compared to PGR2 ) the cars are just a lot of fun to drive. And being able to drive any car in any event doesn't hurt.

  • Tomo #29 6 years ago

    Wonderful piece of news Shinji! Very well written I thunked.

  • OnlyMe #30 6 years ago

    Quote chronom4n;
    "But in terms of physics? I feel that Forza is more hardcore. In GT4 by switching off the TC and ASM, the car was still driveable. But in Forza, switch everything off and the cars become really hard to steer into a turn."

    I've never really understood the reasoning behind this. Cars ARE driveable in real life. Less assistance means it's harder, but still very controllable. I don't see how making a car impossible to drive and keep on the road is supposed to be realistic. But somehow the gaming community seems to think harder to control = more realistic. I guess that's because the vast majority of gamers doesn't drive in real life. To me, I've yet to play a game that resembles real life driving physics as close as Gran Turismo. But then I haven't tried Forza with a wheel or more importantly, a force feedback wheel.
    Edited by 2 at 01/09/06 @ 09:21

  • manic_mouse #31 6 years ago

    Actually I would totally buy a handheld GT on the PSP, where is it!?
    Edited by 1 at 01/09/06 @ 09:27

  • BartonFink #32 6 years ago

    So Mr GT any chance of finally adding some damage modeling and a bit of AI in this one considering how powerful the PS3 is?

  • FooAtari #33 6 years ago

    The comments about no rumble.... Force Feedback people. I wouldnt never go back to a pad after getting the DFP. Although I have had FFB for my PC since lates 90's...

  • Bitkari #34 6 years ago

    Okay, yes, it's quite clearly a carefully PR-managed piece of spin masquerading as a real interview

    Nice that EG provide this caveat. Other news outlets are not quite so forthcoming.

  • sonmi451 #35 6 years ago

    GT PSP got put on hold whilst Polyphony produced the PS3 HD demo.

    fools.

  • BillGaitas #36 6 years ago

    "I've yet to play a game that resembles real life driving physics as close as Gran Turismo"

    you should try lfs with a DVP, that could change your mind. Assuming that you're speaking of road cars and not racing cars, Because there are plenty of good racing car sims around.

    Gt4 isnt a bad game, but it also isnt that good.

  • bionutz #37 6 years ago

    I like the style of this news item. Eurogamer kicks ass and stays honest to its roots!
    But coming back to the PS3's lack of rumble, the accessories such as steering wheels and some sort of "official" 3rd party gamepads will probably support rumble. Probably this is some sort of trick to avoid paying massively to Immersion/Microsoft money for their consoles.

  • T4RG4 #38 6 years ago

    I doubt it'll have damage as much as I doubt the cars will flip (The latter would destroy the gameplay IMO). Some people dont seem to realise that damage modelling would affect the balance of play!! That is of course if it actually changed the performance of the damaged car... if it didnt, well, would there be that much point to all the effort they'd have to go to?

    You cannot have damage modelling in GTX (Magnatec?) unless the AI is dramatically improved and I've seen no sign of that happening in any of the GT games. The AI absolutely sucks and is very easy to beat if you play GT often. Playing multi-player with damage would drastically affect the way in which you played (better for some, worse for others) as your 'mate' who isnt very good would wreck his car in ten seconds.

    For a multiplayer start how about allowing two players on linked machines to compete against decent AI.

    GT is only good for hotlapping on your own or 2-player against an equal opponent.

    ** Oh, and while I'm ranting I'd just like to say I'd buy ANY console that had a decent F1 racer which was as much fun as Geoff Crammonds GP1/2 (shit after that) ** Sony's series sucks beyond belief.
    Edited by 2 at 01/09/06 @ 11:21

  • Mr_Brown #39 6 years ago

    GT5 will have real time car change...its a revolution!

  • Calgon #40 6 years ago

    chronom4n : graphically, GT4 was way ahead in the stakes compared to other racing games. Run Forza and GT4 parallell to each other and you will see what I mean. But in terms of physics? I feel that Forza is more hardcore.

    Um okaaaay...

    First off while you may prefer the visual style of GT4 its obvious you have no idea about the differences between the 2 graphically. Forza is way ahead in those stakes sorry, the only thing Id give to GT4 is 60fps(at the cost of detail and effects) and a more realistic colour pallet(forza's is richer but the realism suffers for this it seems side by side). GT4 has less detail in the tracks --take alook at this side by side screenshot of laguna seca : http://ww w.forzacentral.com/gallery/file... --(heavy use of textures and sprites to hide this... but it seems to hide it well to the untrained eye), lower poly cars(according to the forza devs who gave average figures for both games for comparison... cant remember where I read that interview but Im sure there are some forza nuts here that do) worse lighting and far fewer effects(compared to forza's self shadowing, multiple texture layers throughout, full colour reflections ect)... Its just not fair to overlook these things, but all this aside, GT4 looks good and its a great acheivement for the PS2 hardware.
    Edited by 7 at 01/09/06 @ 13:22

  • chronom4n #41 6 years ago

    @calgon, i must concede that you are right. One of the things i do enjoy in forza is the level of detail. There is so much of it. For me, GT4 has a better colour palette and the ensuing image is much more vibrant whereas Forza looks a little washed out. In terms of relfections although there are more reflections in Forza but the problem i find is that forza's reflections are not smooth. they seems a little stuttered. having looked at the images you directed me to there is definitely more detail in the forza version. I may have not said this in my earlier post, but for what PD have achieved with the ageing hardware is unbelievable I have said this in conversations with other gamers who like driving sims. Here is another thing that i have noticed. play with the sony pad and it is rubbish but play it with the Logitech Dual Forc Pro and it becomes a whole new ball game. But the Controller 'S' is where its at. I can;t wait no more for Sony/PD to come out with a flagship racing sim in which i have to wait so long for car damage. To be honest I see myself going towards Forza 2 because it will be all the things that GT4 aspires to be. and then some.

  • HIGHVOLTAGE #42 6 years ago

    Hate Bland Turismo hate it hate it hate it. I'd have been more interested if he said GT5 will include a GAMEPLAY option. But if we're gonna talk Real Physics(!)+Real Simulation (!) mmm all the things GT's never done right. I'm sick of this boast that it has 500trillion accurately modeled cars-does it arse, it has 500trillion nerds interpretations of real motors that arn't anything like the real things. The most realistic racers out there are the PC ones and Sega's disgracefully forgotten Ferrari F355 challenge-if your want a Ferrari sim get that. Infact Sega are an unsung hero in the racing genre, if it wasn't for their various arcade racers Sony wouldn't have had anything to borrow from in the 1st place.

    Mind you GT's still better than Forza. If GT's watered down Sega with loads more cars to make you think your getting a better game, Forza's watered down so thin there's no taste left at all...

  • chronom4n #43 6 years ago

    the ps3 is a weapon for whacking kaz over the head with. for fucks sake make a game that we want with all the bells and whistles you numbnut!!!!!!!!