|
|
At the height of the British summer of 2003, Japanese developer Polyphony’s website (www.polyphony.co.jp) tells us that it’s been responsible for Gran Turismos 2 and 3 and the little-loved space-based shooter Omega Boost, and nothing more. We know for a fact that there is more to Polyphony than this – but not much more. Polyphony Digital, to give it its full name, came to the world’s attention with the original Gran Turismo in 1998. The racing sim for the PlayStation was born. Sure, there were plenty of arcade-style racers to choose from in 1998; Ridge Racer, Motorhead, Max Power Racing and many more, but none offered the rewards for successful racing that GT did. Credits were awarded on a sliding scale, and these credits could be used to purchase upgrades to your existing car, or to buy a second-hand motor, or maybe even buy a brand new one. Players couldn’t enter just any old race either; you had to have the right kind of car available to you to be able to compete in certain classes of race. And we haven’t even mentioned the licence tests…
Gran Turismo effectively launched a new genre – the real racing sim – and it pretty much guaranteed the talented types at Polyphony Digital deity-like status. Gran Turismo 2 followed in 2000, again for the PlayStation, and the series’ reputation was cemented. GT2 had more tracks, more cars, and two discs. Not just a simulation any more, GT2 included an Arcade mode this time around, just in case there were any doubters as to whether Polyphony could repeat the success. They did so, just by offering a lot more to the punter. Still no collision damage though…
With the arrival of the PS2, it was inevitable that a third instalment of Gran Turismo was on the cards. Improved visuals made GT3 A-Spec a worldwide hit, achieving Sony’s Platinum status in what seemed like no time at all. A couple of PS2 spin-offs duly appeared – the Japan-only 2001 Tokyo Collection and Gran Turismo Concept 2002: Tokyo-Geneva – showcasing prototypes and far out concept cars from the respective motor shows. And still no collision damage.
At the time of writing (summer 2003) we’ve had a thrash on Gran Turismo 4 at E3 in Los Angeles, and luxuriated in some lovely screenshots from the game. We know what’s coming next from Polyphony, and we reckon it might be the best yet.
Software Highlights from Credited Titles
Polyphony's first work that SPOnG is aware of is the 1998 title, "Gran Turismo" (PlayStation).
The company has been involved titles released on the PS4, PC, PS3, PS2, PSP and PlayStation. Of these, "Gran Turismo 5 Prologue" (PS3), "Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec" (PS2), "Gran Turismo" (PlayStation), "Gran Turismo" (PSP), "Gran Turismo 2" (PlayStation) has been a best selling title.
The company's most recent involvement was on the 2017 release "Gran Turismo Sport" (PS4).
Know something we don't? Let us know! If you work for Polyphony, register now to manage this listing.
Related Press Releases
09 Mar 2005
29 Apr 2004
Related Games
Related Editorial
Related News & Nibbles
GT6 gets a month of Senna stuff
01 May 2014
Sony shutting down online server play for Gran Turismo and other titles.
06 Jan 2014
Now then, here's a way to to avoid Microtransactions
10 Dec 2013
Lots of vrooom vrooom ahead of reviews
05 Dec 2013
Sit down. You're probably not going to like this very much at all.
04 Dec 2013
GT Academy 2013 hits TV screens from Wednesday 27 November on ITV4, with three high-octane episodes airing weekly at 8pm.
22 Nov 2013
Hey, even Sony has to make a buck of two
19 Nov 2013
Gran Turismo 6 finally gets into the news again
20 Aug 2013
Could a GT6 reveal be imminent?
08 May 2013
GT6 to include something that can't be added via DLC
11 Nov 2011
DLC is also en route according to producer
29 Sep 2011
Polyphony boss promises to fix some things.
25 Nov 2010
Harsh words, but are they being reflected in the scores?
24 Nov 2010
High street competes for best value deal
24 Nov 2010
Like a double rainbow, Yamauchi's vision can't be fully captured.
08 Nov 2010
Race from your computer, using your console as a bridge.
17 Sep 2010
Management side gives you an AI driver to look after.
19 Aug 2010
Play in a supercar, win a supercar.
04 Aug 2010
It's like your PS3 has gone forward in time.
13 Jul 2010
Best times will go to the GT Academy at Silverstone next year.
17 Dec 2009
Europeans and Asians want more authentic cars and tracks.
15 Dec 2009
Oh, yes it is... no it isn't
02 Nov 2009
Forza developer respects Polyphony Digital regardless.
20 Oct 2009
Yamauchi considering putting Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG on game cover.
20 Oct 2009
But the studio wants to put even more stuff into it.
14 Oct 2009
Rumblings from Japan: DS3 may launch with Gran Turismo 5 Prologue in November
22 Aug 2007
So says genius petrolhead Kaz Yamauchi
02 Jul 2007
Motor Trend marques GT creator's influence
05 Jan 2007
Well, out in Japan and the US at least
02 Jan 2007
A driving game with no cars! Who would've thunk it?
21 Sep 2006
Sega confirms full HD glory for the game of kings
18 Sep 2006
Latest release date for Polyphony joy machine offered
31 Jan 2005
The sun came up and Gran Turismo 4 was delayed again
18 Nov 2004
More fallout for the GT conference inside
11 Nov 2004
Not really, though Gran Turismo For Boys was announced
10 Nov 2004
Unconfirmed reports speak of series’ magical future
10 Nov 2004
Don’t forget the magic t-shirt and trainers too – Oh, and the suitcase…
10 Nov 2004
The Polyphonic saga continues...
21 Oct 2004
Sony and Polyphony hack down their masterwork
24 Sep 2004
Snow rally and vintage joy inside
22 Sep 2004
Alterations to Sony calendar point to possible slippage
20 Sep 2004
Sony races out handheld version of Gran Turismo.
09 Aug 2004
Crunch time as SCEE opts for pre-order lure.
29 Apr 2004
Insiders cast spectre of doubt across PAL taster.
27 Apr 2004
Ongoing online issues blighting biggest game ever.
20 Feb 2004
Steering wheel bug sees replacement discs ship.
22 Dec 2003
GT4: Prologue line-up a joke. Why bother with anything else…?
23 Oct 2003
It's happening - just not in GT4.
20 Oct 2003
Bigger than the F1 shock, two wheel action revs up
09 Oct 2003
Enjoy a petrol aperitif courtesy of Polyphony.
26 Sep 2003
Key AAA offering shall go to the ball.
21 Aug 2003
Bah! There are jobs and there are jobs. And there's hammering racing cars about all day long
01 Aug 2003
Kudos and history not enough to challenge Polyphony.
01 Jul 2003
Polyphony reveals still-impressive final stats.
13 Jun 2003
Japanese rumours suggest the next one is going to be big!
14 Apr 2003
Car manufacturers still undecided.
12 Mar 2003
Full car list inside.
25 Jun 2002
Stunning news on GT Concept Euro status.
24 Apr 2002
GT Concept Europe leaves Euro punters shocked.
23 Apr 2002
Speculation put to rest as Gran Turismo returns to its rightful home.
15 Apr 2002
Grrr! Another new version of Gran Turismo we’ll never get to play.
12 Mar 2002
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has confirmed that it will be releasing a budget range of PlayStation 2 software on March 1.
15 Feb 2002
Sony Computer Entertainment and Polyphony Digital have announced the existence of a Gran Turismo game for PC!
28 Jan 2002
Strange cars on new track and it's cheap too!
17 Dec 2001
Multiple spin-offs planned as Polyphony pleasingly cuts the corner
29 Oct 2001
An add-on for the amazing GT3 featuring 20 new cars was revealed recently, starring the concept cars that rarely make it into production.
26 Oct 2001
Yes, we bring you even more earth-shattering news of GT3's success!
25 Jul 2001
Page 3 girls, free stuff and rock music! A day in the life of a killer app launch.
19 Jul 2001
Sony pushed the boat out with their display for GT3. Big plasma screens, six-way link-up, steering wheels and Corbeau racing seats were all featured.
21 May 2001
GT3 blamed for office productivity slump! Game officially banned Shocker.
15 May 2001
GT3 slides again in Japan. Still no word for Europe
28 Feb 2001
We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but unfortunately one the most anticipated PlayStation 2 games Gran Turismo 3 is being put back.
17 Jan 2001
If you’re still unsure about the PlayStation 2, there is one game that will easily make up your mind.
18 Dec 2000