Gran Turismo 5 sells 5.5 million copies
Posted under: Sony Computer Entertainment is reporting that the long awaited Gran Turismo 5 has sold over 5.5 million copies worldwide since it’s release only 12 days ago. With this milestone, the Gran Turismo franchise history now counts over 60 million units sold as of December 6th, 2010. Overall, Polyphony Digital and Sony achieved this number 12 years and 11 months after the initial début of Gran Turismo in December of 1997. A noble feat, considering there was a 5 year wait between the 4th and 5th installments of the titles.
According to Japanese gaming focused site AndriaSang.com, 486,389 of the 5.5 million units were sold in Japan, indicating that there’s a strong demand for the world’s premier driving simulator outside of it’s country of origin.
When it comes to the in-total 60 million units shipped front, Sony clarifies and notes that these sales numbers are derived from PlayStation, PlayStation 2, and PS3, as well as their portable unit, the PSP; racking up a massive 61.41 million units sold.
Despite the complaints (myself included) surrounding the widespread technical issues surrounding the online player vs. player, Gran Turismo took home top honors in the Best Selling category for the month of November, and as of December 4th, still holds the number 3 slot, just below Wii Sports, and above Kinect Adventures!
Gran Turismo 5 release date confirmed
Fans of Polyphony Digital’s long awaited 5th installment of their Gran Turismo series have something to cheer about. While it’s not the first time that Sony Online Entertainment has promised delivery of the real-life driving simulator, it looks like they mean it for real this time.
Sony Online Entertainmant sent out the official word today that speed freaks and cruisers alike can dive right into their favorite driving simulator as of Wednesday, November 24th.
Over it’s history, Gran Turismo has shipped over 56 million units worldwide, and has been lauded as the authority on driving simulators. GT’s real life graphics, authentic physics technology and design have all led to revolutionizing the racing game category. Driving the Gran Turismo series is none other than professional racing driving and video game designer Kazunori Yamauchi. In addition to giving gamers a high quality racing experience, Gran Turismo is also seen as a highly desirable platform for auto manufacturers to showcase their cars and accessories on.
“Gran Turismo 5 is an ambitious project, with challenges and complexities which have made it our version of the Apollo Space Program!” commented Kazunori Yamauchi, President of Polyphony Digital Inc. “When we created the original Gran Turismo back in 1997, we wanted to set a completely new precedent for the racing genre. With the technological leap onto PlayStation 3, our objective with Gran Turismo 5 was to create another great revolution which would not only satisfy our own high expectations, but would meet or even exceed the anticipation of the fans.”
GT5 will feature the world’s most famous racetracks, all rendered in gorgeous high definition, with Polyphony Digital claiming that it’s, “as vivid as the real thing.” Classic circuits including Autumn Ring, Deep Forest Raceway, and the Grand Valley Speedway have found a home in the newest version of the Gran Turismo franchise, as well as real-world courses including the Nurburgring and Laguna Seca.
Over 1,000 cars will be on tap, ranging from legends of yesteryear right on through to today’s bleeding edge of automotive technology. Starting November 24th, horsepower hungry gearheads can get their hands on the Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce, the Lexus LFA, and the McLaren MP4-12C.
“Satisfying the loyal Gran Turismo followers is at the heart of all of our efforts, which is why it was such a difficult decision to delay the release of the game, and one which we did not take lightly. I can only apologize to everyone for making you wait so long, and I hope that when you try out the wealth of driving experiences available in Gran Turismo 5, you will not be disappointed,” adds Yamauchi.
More info and full car and track specs can be found at gran-turismo.com.
Blu-ray on the cheap
If you happen to own a blu ray player or a PS3, Amazon.com is sharing the blu love for the next 4 days (18 April 08).
For a limited time buy any two Blu-ray discs listed below and receive a third free. Discount will automatically be applied once all participating items are added to your cart. Offer valid through April 18, 2008. See offer terms and restrictions.
Shop our Blu-ray store for other new releases and bestselling pre-orders.”
And I know…I know…Apple is going to start shipping all Macs with a blu ray installed coming later this year, but I really couldn’t hold out any longer, as the current machine is on its last leg. So I guess we’ll just have to get a PS3 (with that super sexy Gran Turismo 5 package). Damn. 
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