Polyphony Digital

Last updated

Polyphony Digital Inc.
Company type Subsidiary
Industry Video games
PredecessorPolys Entertainment
FoundedApril 2, 1998;26 years ago (1998-04-02)
Founder Kazunori Yamauchi
Headquarters Tokyo, Japan
Key people
Kazunori Yamauchi (president)
Products Gran Turismo series
Number of employees
~300 [1]  (February 2022)
Parent PlayStation Studios
Website www.polyphony.co.jp

Polyphony Digital Inc. is an internal Japanese first-party video game development studio for PlayStation Studios. Originally a development group within Sony Computer Entertainment's Japan Studio known as Polys Entertainment, [2] [3] after the success of Gran Turismo in Japan, they were granted greater autonomy, reestablished as an individual company and renamed themselves Polyphony Digital. It currently has four studios: two studios in Japan, one studio in the Netherlands, and another one in the United States.

Contents

Company overview

The studio is best known for the Gran Turismo racing game series. Led by Kazunori Yamauchi, Gran Turismo became the most successful racing series for the PlayStation, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3. The Gran Turismo series is designed to be a realistic driving simulator, offering realistic driving physics. In 2006, Polyphony released Tourist Trophy , in an attempt to bring the realism of Gran Turismo to motorcycle racing.

Games developed

As Polys Entertainment

Game TitleRelease DatePlatform
Motor Toon Grand Prix December 16, 1994 PlayStation
Motor Toon Grand Prix 2 May 24, 1996
Gran Turismo December 23, 1997

As Polyphony Digital

Game TitleRelease DatePlatform
Omega Boost April 22, 1999PlayStation
Gran Turismo 2 December 11, 1999
Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec April 28, 2001 PlayStation 2
Gran Turismo Concept January 1, 2002
Gran Turismo 4 Prologue December 4, 2003
Gran Turismo 4 December 28, 2004
Tourist Trophy February 2, 2006
Gran Turismo HD Concept December 24, 2006 PlayStation 3
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue December 13, 2007
Gran Turismo (PSP) October 1, 2009 PlayStation Portable
Gran Turismo 5 November 24, 2010PlayStation 3
Gran Turismo 6 December 6, 2013
Gran Turismo Sport October 17, 2017 PlayStation 4
Gran Turismo 7 March 4, 2022PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 [4] [5] [6]
My First Gran TurismoDecember 6, 2024PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

Other projects

Polyphony Digital has also been involved in real life automotive projects. They have developed special versions of their Gran Turismo games for many car manufacturers as demonstrators for their cars. Nissan also commissioned them to design a special body kit for their 350Z coupe, which first appeared in 'GT Concept: 2002 Tokyo – Geneva' as the "Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo Aero", later becoming the "Fairlady Z NISMO S-Tune Concept by GRAN TURISMO" in GT4. There was also a faster 'Z-Tune' version with minor styling revisions and 400PS. The S-Tune was later sold in real life by NISMO (NISSAN MOTORSPORT) as a tuning package for existing owners.

In 2007, they were contracted to design the multifunction display on the new Nissan GT-R, [7] which displays performance information such as G-forces, acceleration opening, brake pedal pressure, steering angle, an "optimal gearshift map," to emphasize economical vehicle operation.

When Nissan was looking for a company to develop the GT-R's user-friendly 'multi-function meter', the carmaker says Polyphony was the obvious choice because of the simple menu systems applied to video games such as Gran Turismo. "If you think about the GT-R's multi-function meter with the g-force information and everything else, we wanted it to be very easy to read, very easy to use," says Nissan's global vice president of communications, Simon Sproule. "It's really about the logic of how video games work and their menu systems – which anyone can use – and then applying it to the car." [8]

Seiichi Ikiuo from Polyphony Digital encoded and decoded the movies for various SCEI games, such as The Legend of Dragoon , Everybody's Golf 2 and the Japanese versions of Roll Away and the original Crash Bandicoot games for the PS1. [9]

Recognition

In 2012, IGN placed Polyphony Digital at number 24 on their list of the 50 greatest developers of all time. [10] In the March 2015 issue of GamesTM magazine, the company was number 34 on their list of the "50 Best Developers In The World". [11]

In 2014, Polyphony Digital made a long-term partnership with Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) for a plan to launch an official FIA Online Championship in 2015. [12]

Related Research Articles

<i>Gran Turismo</i> (series) Series of racing video games

Gran Turismo is a series of driving simulators developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment for PlayStation consoles. Gran Turismo simulators are intended to emulate the appearance and performance of a large selection of vehicles, most of which are licensed reproductions of real-world automobiles. Since the franchise's debut in 1997, over 90 million units have been sold worldwide, making it the best selling driving simulator under the PlayStation brand. The series has partnerships with Japan Race Promotion, Brembo, Michelin, Mazda, Toyota Gazoo Racing, BBS and Fanatec. The series uses data from car companies and real-life races for its car physics simulation. It is also used as a concept car simulator for many car manufacturers. In 2023, the series received a film adaptation, and it became a sport for the Olympic Esports with the backing of the FIA. In 2024 Mercedes-AMG recognized Gran Turismo 7 as a simulator for the Mercedes-AMG GT3 race car.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nissan 350Z</span> Motor vehicle

The Nissan 350Z is a two-door, two-seater sports car that was manufactured by Nissan Motor Corporation from 2002 until 2009 and marks the fifth generation of Nissan's Z-car line. The 350Z entered production in 2002 and was sold and marketed as a 2003 model from August 2002. The first year there was only a coupe, as the roadster did not debut until the following year. Initially, the coupe came in Base, Enthusiast, Performance, Touring and Track versions, while the Roadster was limited to Enthusiast and Touring trim levels. The Track trim came with lightweight wheels and Brembo brakes, but its suspension tuning was the same as all other coupes. The Nissan 350Z was succeeded by the 370Z for the 2009 model year.

<i>Gran Turismo 4</i> 2004 video game

Gran Turismo 4 is a 2004 racing simulation video game developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 2. It is the fourth main installment and the sixth overall in the Gran Turismo series. It was released on December 28, 2004, in Japan and Hong Kong, February 22, 2005, in North America, and March 9, 2005, in Europe, and has since been re-issued under Sony's Greatest Hits brand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kazunori Yamauchi</span> Japanese game designer and racing driver

Kazunori Yamauchi, nicknamed "Kaz", is a Japanese game designer and racing driver. He is the CEO of Polyphony Digital and producer of the Gran Turismo video game series.

<i>Tourist Trophy</i> (video game) 2006 racing video game

Tourist Trophy is a motorcycle racing video game developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 2. It is one of only four PS2 titles capable of 1080i output, another being Gran Turismo 4, the game engine of which is also used by Tourist Trophy.

<i>Gran Turismo HD Concept</i> 2006 video game

Gran Turismo HD Concept is a racing simulation video game developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 3. It is the first installment of the Gran Turismo racing video game series to be released on the console. It was made available as a free download which was released on the PlayStation Store on December 24, 2006. A Blu-ray Disc version, called "Install Disc", was released in Japan in limited quantities in September 2007. The game was intended to be a sneak preview, in the likes of Gran Turismo Concept, preceding the release of a full version title, but the Gran Turismo HD project was canceled and replaced by Gran Turismo 5 Prologue.

<i>Motor Toon Grand Prix</i> 1994 racing video game

Motor Toon Grand Prix is a racing video game developed and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation. It was released exclusively in Japan on December 16, 1994. The game and its sequel were directed by Kazunori Yamauchi, and are precursors to his subsequent racing series Gran Turismo.

<i>Gran Turismo</i> (1997 video game) 1997 video game

Gran Turismo is a 1997 racing simulation video game developed and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation. It was directed by Kazunori Yamauchi and produced by Shuhei Yoshida. It is the first game in the Gran Turismo series.

<i>Gran Turismo</i> (2009 video game) 2009 video game

Gran Turismo is a 2009 racing video game developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation Portable. The game was announced at Sony's E3 press conference on May 11, 2004, alongside the original PSP. Following five years of delays and speculation, during which it was variously known as Gran Turismo Portable, Gran Turismo 4 Mobile, Gran Turismo 5 Mobile and Gran Turismo 4.5, it made a reappearance at E3 on June 2, 2009, in playable form. It was released on October 1, 2009, as one of the launch titles for the new PSP Go. As of September 2017, Gran Turismo has sold 4.67 million units, making it one of the best-selling PSP games. On June 1, 2010, the game was re-released as part of Sony's Greatest Hits budget line of video games.

<i>Gran Turismo 5</i> 2010 video game

Gran Turismo 5 is a 2010 racing simulation video game developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 3. It is the fifth main installment and the tenth overall in the Gran Turismo series. It was released on November 24, 2010, in Europe and North America, and November 25, 2010, in Japan and Australasia. It was preceded by the Prologue version and is the first main entry of the series to be released for the PlayStation 3.

<i>Gran Turismo 5 Prologue</i> 2007 video game

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is a 2007 racing simulation video game developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 3. It is the eighth overall installment in the Gran Turismo series. Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is a precursor to Gran Turismo 5, in celebration of the series' tenth anniversary.

<i>Gran Turismo Concept</i> 2002 video game

Gran Turismo Concept is a 2002 racing simulation video game developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 2. It is the fourth overall installment the Gran Turismo series. The full game was unreleased in the North American market, although a stripped-down version of it was released in form of Gran Turismo: Nissan 350Z Edition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GT by Citroën</span> Concept car manufactured by Citroën in partnership with Polyphony Digital

The GT by Citroën is a sports car that debuted as a concept car on October 2 at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The car is a collaboration between the French automaker Citroën and the Japanese racing simulation developer Polyphony Digital. Six cars were expected to be built, with an expected MSRP of $2,100,000; however, the production run was allegedly cancelled in 2010 due to high costs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red Bull X2010</span> Fictional prototype vehicle

The Red Bull X2010, originally named Red Bull X1, is a fictional prototype vehicle featured in the PlayStation 3 video games Gran Turismo 5 and Gran Turismo 6. A full-size, non-functioning model appeared at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and in West Sussex, England. The digital creation was a response to Kazunori Yamauchi's question: "If you built the fastest racing car on land, one that throws aside all rules and regulations, what would that car look like, how would it perform, and how would it feel to drive?"

<i>Gran Turismo 6</i> 2013 video game

Gran Turismo 6 is a 2013 racing simulation video game developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 3. It is the sixth main installment and the eleventh overall in the Gran Turismo series. The game was released worldwide on December 6, 2013. Gran Turismo 6 received a positive reception and was a financial success. New features included the addition of more cars and tracks, improvements to the car customization options, and partnerships with the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Ayrton Senna Institute, the FIA, and NASCAR. Gran Turismo 6 is the first game to feature officially FIA-certified content.

<i>Gran Turismo 7</i> 2022 video game

Gran Turismo 7 is a 2022 racing simulation video game developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game is the eighth main installment and the thirteenth overall in the Gran Turismo series. It was released for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. Gran Turismo 7 also features virtual reality support compatible with PlayStation VR2 through a free in-game update.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GT Academy</span> Television programme

GT Academy is a television programme that was produced by Grand Central Entertainment and funded by Nissan and Sony Interactive Entertainment from 2008 to 2016. GT Academy provided skilled Gran Turismo players an opportunity to earn a real-life professional racing career with Nissan.

<i>Gran Turismo Sport</i> 2017 video game

Gran Turismo Sport is a 2017 racing video game developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment for the PlayStation 4. It is the twelfth game in the Gran Turismo series.

The Gran Turismo World Series is a series of professional Gran Turismo world championship esports tournaments, managed directly by Polyphony Digital. The championship contains two series that are held concurrently throughout the year: the Nations Cup and the Manufacturers Cup. The series uses Polyphony Digital's latest sim Gran Turismo 7.

<i>Gran Turismo</i> (film) 2023 film by Neill Blomkamp

Gran Turismo is a 2023 American biographical sports drama film directed by Neill Blomkamp from a screenplay by Jason Hall and Zach Baylin. Produced by Columbia Pictures, PlayStation Productions, and 2.0 Entertainment, it is based on the racing simulation video game series of the same name developed by Polyphony Digital. It depicts a highly sensationalized account of real life British teenager Jann Mardenborough, a teenage Gran Turismo player who became a professional racing car driver. The film stars Archie Madekwe as Mardenborough alongside David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, Darren Barnet, Geri Halliwell Horner, and Djimon Hounsou.

References

  1. "Interview de Kazunori Yamauchi, le papa de Gran Turismo nous parle du 7ème opus" [Interview with Kazunori Yamauchi, the father of Gran Turismo, about the 7th opus]. jeuxvideo.fr (in French). February 3, 2022. Retrieved February 3, 2022.
  2. "Corporate Profile". polyphony.co.jp. Archived from the original on February 27, 2012. Retrieved January 15, 2012.
  3. "Polyphony Digital Inc". MobyGames . Retrieved July 16, 2013.
  4. Evans, Andrew (September 10, 2021). "Gran Turismo 7 Release Date is March 4 2022". GTPlanet. Retrieved September 10, 2021.
  5. "PlayStation's Jim Ryan: 'We're making a completely new VR format for PS5'". British GQ. Retrieved February 23, 2021.
  6. "Hermen Hulst Q&A: What's Next for PlayStation Studios". PlayStation.Blog. June 2, 2021. Retrieved June 2, 2021.
  7. Edmunds Inside Line: A Day in Germany With the GT-R Engineers Archived 2007-10-18 at the Wayback Machine
  8. Amy (October 3, 2016). "MAZDA 121". Drive. Archived from the original on November 24, 2020. Retrieved September 22, 2018.
  9. "Seiichi Ikiuo Video Game Credits and Biography". MobyGames. Retrieved April 13, 2019.
  10. "Polyphony Digital – #24 Top Video Game Makers – IGN". IGN.[ permanent dead link ]
  11. GamesTM magazine issue 157, Imagine Publishing, March 2015
  12. "Polyphony Digital Inc. (PDI) and FIA to Form Long-term Partnership", Polyphony Digital Inc., 2014-06-24