PlayStation Is Releasing A Free Gran Turismo Game For Its Anniversary

Some gaming anniversaries come and go without developers even acknowledging that the thing they created is celebrating its birthday. That has certainly not been the case for PlayStation. Its first console turned 30 this week and it has been shouting about it from the rooftops in quite a few fun and exciting ways. The celebrations aren’t over yet either with a free version of Gran Turismo 7dropping at midnight tonight.

Dubbed My First Gran Turismo, the free game is a watered-down version of the newest title in the series released in 2022. If you have a PS5 or a PS4, you should be able to claim the game for free starting from midnight local time on Friday, December 6, 2024. There doesn’t appear to be a PS Plus requirement, nor does there seem to be a time limit on how long it will be available like the anniversary themes released earlier this week.

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If you have played a Gran Turismo game before, don’t go into this expecting all the mods, cons, and modes that usually come with a full release because, well, this isn’t a full release. It’s called My First Gran Turismo because it has been specifically designed with new players in mind. Just the basics, but hopefully enough that people will be tempted to buy the full version of the game, or at least have their interest piqued if and when Gran Turismo 8 is released.

My First Gran Turismo Will Be Free For Anyone With A PS5 Or PS4

Download It And Take It For A Spin, What Have You Got To Lose?

That said, this free game is quite a bit more than a free trial. It isn’t a case of racing around the track three times and being told “Thanks for playing” as you’re shown the door. There will be race events, music rally stages, and time trials – three of each – as well as a full suite of License Tests. There will be 18 cars to choose from with limited customization options and some of the Gran Turismo series’ best-known tracks to drive them around. Some you might recognize, even if you’re returning to Gran Turismo after a very long time.

Those of you playing My First Gran Turismo will also have the bonus of being able to play the free game in VR. It’s compatible with PlayStation VR2 which allows for another layer of racing immersion. That does require a PS VR2 headset, of course. The pricey PS5 accessory is still heavily discounted if you like the idea of feeling like you really are in the Gran Turismo driving seat and experiencing everything else the PS VR2 has to offer.

PlayStation VR2

$350 $550 Save $200

PlayStation’s next-generation headset, the PS VR2. Complete with eye-tracking technology and sense controllers.

Resolution

2000 x 2040 per eye

Ports

USB-C

Original Release Date

February 22, 2023