In a move that has left many racing enthusiasts nostalgic, the servers for the popular racing game “Gran Turismo Sport” were officially shut down on January 31, 2024. This decision, announced last year by Sony Interactive Entertainment and Polyphony Digital, marks a significant shift in the gaming landscape for fans of the series. “Gran Turismo Sport,” known for its immersive online racing experience, now enters a new phase with limited functionality. This article delves into the details of the shutdown and its implications for the game’s future.
Gran Turismo Sport Server Shutdown & Update 1.69
The shutdown of “Gran Turismo Sport’s” servers is not just a technical process; it represents the end of an online community that thrived on high-speed competition and camaraderie. Key features that defined the game’s online presence, including community events, open lobbies, the Sport mode, and seasonal events, are no longer accessible. This change also means that players can no longer unlock online-related trophies, a significant aspect of the game’s appeal.
Detailed Impact and What Remains
- Offline Playability: While the online component has been removed, “Gran Turismo Sport” still offers some offline features. Players can access their purchased additional content, cars, and saved settings. However, all progress and content will now be stored offline.
- A Look Back: “Gran Turismo Sport” was launched in March 2017 for the PS4 and quickly became a staple in the racing game genre. By February 2021, it had amassed a player base of over 9.5 million, a testament to its popularity and the community it built.
- Shifting Focus to Gran Turismo 7: With the closure of “Gran Turismo Sport’s” online world, the developers are now channeling their efforts into “Gran Turismo 7” for PS4 and PS5. This newer installment recently received an update, version 1.42, introducing new vehicles and events, signaling a continued commitment to the franchise’s future.
Understanding Update 1.69
Patch 1.69 is a pivotal update for “Gran Turismo Sport” as it effectively dismantles the online infrastructure of the game. While the specifics of this patch were not extensively covered in the sources, its role in transitioning the game to an offline-only experience is clear. This patch symbolizes the end of an era for “Gran Turismo Sport,” but also a new beginning for the series as it evolves.
Further information about the shutdown of the online services of the beloved racing game can be found on the Gran Turismo website!
