I just can't see myself quoting all those posts that were directed at me (I apologize) so I will try to answer all them in one post. If I happen to miss something please understand that it is still early for me.
On GT6's poor performance... Yes, timing was a huge problem but so was the fact that GT6 was to similar to GT5. Nothing forward outside of VGT (which I love) and to some, the customization and standard car issues meant no purchases. I am not sold on the sound being a huge reason though although some excitement in this department sure wouldn't hurt.
I honestly believe that what GT Sport does in sales will show us where the genre as a whole is because of GT's mainstream brand.
On driving around the ring 20 years later... My comment was geared (no pun intended) towards video games because something needs to be done to get more people interested in doing so. I understand that the enthusiasts will always flock to it and that's great but I would like to see the genre offer more then just "GTR on the Ring."
I don't know, perhaps someone out there could harness the "experience" of the 24hr 'Ring races besides offering just a grueling grind of driving. I love the 'Ring and even I am only good for a 5-10 laps all things considered.
On attracting GTA and COD players... I sometimes believe that people forget that GT and others are still video games. Sure, there is some genuine realism involved but no matter what, it is still entertainment software that is designed for people of all ages and all skill levels. These games should never be for the "elite" only.
We know that there are 20 million people out there buying GTA. Why? It's fun for many people. Fun factor is what most people play games for, not for shaving a hundredth of a second off a lap time. Yes, there those (myself included) who enjoy this, but we need to realize that 99% of people will never be good enough to win GT Academy. It's an inherent problem that I believe needs to be addressed.
On changing the GT formula...I will admit that this is tough one, but we need to be honest with each other. The formula hasn't evolved much. Sure, some of us don't care, but plenty of others do. Perhaps VR will be the key to bringing excitement into the genre but regardless something needs to be done besides the general evolution that we have seen over the past few years.
Eventually, these games are going to be nearly identical in not only their feature set but in their looks and gameplay. I see that as a problem. Perhaps
@SlipZtrEm suggestion of offering a Little Big Planet tool set would be the key but all these developers need to remember that the majority of people out there will get bored and move on. I believe the game publishers out there get this as we see Forza on a sim/arcade rotation.
Smart phones are a huge threat because of a few reasons. They are not only cheap to develop, they are easy to play (remember fun!) and offer quick fixes for those looking for a racing experience. Some of you out there may be shaking your head at me bringing this up, but while phone and sim type games are different, the bottom line is not one developer/publisher out there wants to be "stuck" with 1 million in sales when there is potential client base of 50 times that.
I can't believe how much I just wrote.
