When Gran Turismo made its debut on the original PlayStation in 1997, it revolutionized the sim racing genre. Its unwavering focus on a realistic driving experience and meticulous recreation of real-life vehicles set a benchmark that still influences the industry today. However, over the years, Gran Turismo faced challenges as competing sim racers like iRacing emerged. Despite a dedicated fanbase, each new game saw a decline in popularity. Gran Turismo 7, in particular, faced harsh criticism due to issues like online DRM, a grinding system for new vehicles, and a controversial microtransaction model. This led franchise lead Kazunori Yamauchi to apologize to fans. But now, Yamauchi has announced My First Gran Turismo on the PlayStation Blog. As the tagline suggests, it's designed for those who haven't experienced Gran Turismo yet.

What My First Gran Turismo Brings

This game holds a special place as it pays homage to the origins of Gran Turismo. It's a trimmed-down version of Gran Turismo 7, making it less intimidating for new players. Basic elements like races, time trials, practice runs, and the license center are familiar from previous games. There's also a unique Music mode where you can drive along with an entire song. The presentation is typical of Polyphony Digital, with detailed car profiles tempting you to collect them all. It has full achievements and supports PSVR 2, adding to the immersive experience. While it's not clear if there will be microtransactions in the future, it's an interesting move by Polyphony Digital.

The Impact on the Franchise

My First Gran Turismo could potentially be a game-changer for the franchise. By introducing a more accessible version, it may attract a new generation of players and reignite the passion for driving. It shows that Polyphony Digital is aware of the need to adapt and evolve. This could lead to a resurgence in interest not only in My First Gran Turismo but also in the main Gran Turismo series. It gives fans a chance to experience the essence of Gran Turismo in a more approachable way and perhaps paves the way for future developments.

The Future of Gran Turismo

With the release of My First Gran Turismo, the future of Gran Turismo seems uncertain yet promising. It remains to be seen if this game will be able to capture the attention of both new and old fans and bring enough success to the franchise. Polyphony Digital has a big task ahead of them in maintaining the quality and relevance of the Gran Turismo brand. But with their track record and the potential of My First Gran Turismo, there is hope for the future of this iconic sim racing franchise.My First Gran Turismo will be released tomorrow, December 6, 2024, on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. It's an exciting development that could shape the future of Gran Turismo.