The Inside Track
The thoughts of two huge GT players - PD lead dev Kazunori Yamauchi and fansite GTPlanet founder Jordan Greer
PSM3
December 2010 Issue #133
Page 31
KAZUNORI YAMAUCHI, Polyphony Digital, Producer
PSM3: Is there any possibility of seeing motorbikes in GT5, or a new Tourist Trophy?
Kazunori Yamauchi: The environment we have right now allows us to drive motorcycles, but we need to get Gran Turismo 5 done first. Once that's out of the way, if there's a strong demand for bikes that's something we'd consider
PSM3: The ready races seem to be limited to two cars. How many will the final version support?
Kazunori Yamauchi: In the Dirt Trial racing, we think that two cars is plenty, because the car in front kicks up a lot of dust that goes right into the camera and makes it difficult to drive. But selecting the Dirt Track on the online mode, you can drive with many more cars that way. And the Rally mode is different again; each car is on a time trial, staggered by 10 seconds.
PSM3: Have you started work on GT6?
Kazunori Yamauchi: There were a lot of things we couldn't include in 5 that will carry over into 6, so in that respect, development has already started.
PSM3: Will the engine sounds be improved over time?
Kazunori Yamauchi: There have been a lot of improvements made to the engine sounds. Obviously it's not enough, there's more we can do to improve them, so it's still work in progress.
PSM3: Will the game run at a rock-steady 60fps?
Kazunori Yamauchi: This is a major issue for us in GT5. Our engineers complain every day: 'Isn't it enough that it's in 1080p? Does it have to be 60fps too?' But I think 60fps is very important, so we're working towards perfecting that. There might be times when you have a certain combination of conditions that come together, especially with the weather effects; the game might briefly drop from 60fps, and for that i beg your forgiveness! If you're going from a standing start at number 16 and all 15 cars in front of you are kicking up water, there might not be 60fps at that moment.
JORDAN GREER, GTPlanet founder
PSM3: What are you looking forward to most in GT5?
Jordan Greer: For me, it's all about GT5's dynamic weather simulation. This isn't just just eye-candy: wet-weather pit strategy can make or break your race. You will have to make the right decisions at the right time, and learn to be fast in both wet and dry conditions. This, with 16-player, private online race events, is going to be unlike anything we've seen before. I can't wait.
PSM3: Any concerns about GT5?
Jordan Greer: I am concerned the game's "Standard Cars" will be a source of confusion for less savvy players... Casual gamers may be unpleasantly surprised or disappointed.
PSM3: What's it like to run such a specialist website about GT?
Jordan Greer: It's a lot of work, and it never stops. I've pulled more all-nighters than I care to admit, working to keep the news blog updated and the servers from exploding. I am very thankful and fortunate to have such an awesome group of people who make the GTPlanet community what it is today.
PSM3: How much support do you get, from fans, visitors and Sony?
Jordan Greer: GTPlanet is supported by fans all over the world and it wouldn't be possible without them. I'll have dozens of emails within minutes after a hot bit of news hits the web. This doesn't always sit well with Sony, but we've got a good working relationship.
PSM3: What's the most interesting situation the site has got you in to?
Jordan Greer: The most interesting, by far, was our interview with Kazunori Yamauchi at Gamescom 2010 when we teamed up with InsideSimRacing.tv to provide lots of exclusive coverage. We were also on hand for the GT Academy 2010 Finals at Silverstone.
PSM3: What do you think Polyphony Digital think of GTPlanet?
Jordan Greer: They are familiar with the site and keep a close eye on our forums as our members share their thoughts, ideas, and criticisms. Nearly all of the major features the GTPlanet user base has asked for were implemented in Gran Turismo 5. I think they appreciate our feedback and interest in their work.
PSM3: What do you want from GT6
Jordan Greer: GT5's "Course Maker" feature is an exciting new direction for the series, and I hope Polyphony Digital provides us with even more tools next game.