Polyphony Digital confirms new Gran Turismo game in development

Polyphony Digital is actively recruiting staff for production of a new Gran Turismo game, according to 18 job listings posted on the studio's website. The hiring push comes 25 years after franchise founder Kazunori Yamauchi began developing the iconic racing simulation series.

What the job listings reveal

According to Insider Gaming, Polyphony Digital currently has 18 open positions specifically for Gran Turismo production. The roles span multiple disciplines including game testers and CG artists, suggesting the project is in active development across various departments.

A translated message on the studio's careers page, attributed to founder Kazunori Yamauchi, confirms the production focus. "Now hiring staff for the production of 'Gran Turismo,'" reads a prominent headline on the recruitment site.

The diversity of roles indicates this isn't just early concept work — the studio appears to be scaling up for full production of what could be Gran Turismo 8.

What Yamauchi said about the future

In his recruitment message, Yamauchi reflects on the franchise's quarter-century journey whilst outlining his vision for what's next.

"It's been 25 years since I started making Gran Turismo," Yamauchi wrote. "The main reason we were able to keep making it was because of the players. I think this is proof that the work I continued to make so hard resonated properly."

The veteran developer emphasised his commitment to pushing boundaries: "I want to create the future with art and technology. To those of you who have an insatiable desire to create. We look forward to your passion, technology, and ideas."

His statement suggests Polyphony Digital isn't simply iterating on existing formulas but aiming to advance the racing simulation genre further.

When could the next Gran Turismo launch

Given Gran Turismo's historically long development cycles, the next entry likely won't arrive for several years. Gran Turismo 7 launched in March 2022 after a four-year gap following Gran Turismo Sport in 2017.

The timing of this major hiring push suggests the new game could target PlayStation 6 as its primary platform. Sony hasn't announced next-generation console plans, but typical console generations run seven to eight years — placing PS6 potentially around 2027-2028.

This recruitment drive indicates Polyphony Digital is preparing for the technical demands of next-generation hardware, where the Gran Turismo franchise has historically showcased each PlayStation's capabilities.

What this means for UAE racing fans

The announcement comes at a particularly relevant time for UAE gaming enthusiasts. Gran Turismo's biggest live race recently made its Middle East debut in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the franchise's growing regional presence.

Polyphony Digital has shown increased focus on the Middle East market, with UAE-exclusive time trial challenges and regional esports initiatives. The next Gran Turismo could potentially feature Middle Eastern circuits or localisation elements reflecting this regional investment.

While no UAE-specific details have been announced for the new game, the franchise's recent regional expansion suggests Middle Eastern players will be a consideration during development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Polyphony Digital making a new Gran Turismo game?

Yes, Polyphony Digital is actively hiring for production of the next Gran Turismo title, with 18 job openings posted specifically for the franchise.

What roles is Polyphony Digital hiring for?

They are hiring for various positions including game testers and CG artists for the new Gran Turismo game development.

When will the next Gran Turismo game be released?

No official date has been announced. Given typical development cycles, the game likely won't launch for several years and may target PlayStation 6.

Will the next Gran Turismo be on PlayStation 5?

While unconfirmed, the timing suggests it may be developed primarily for PlayStation 6 given the console generation cycle.

What did Kazunori Yamauchi say about the new game?

Yamauchi emphasised wanting to 'create the future with art and technology' whilst reflecting on 25 years of Gran Turismo development.

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