On October 16 in Modena, historic city and cradle of Italy's motor industry, Kazunori Yamauchi, Executive Vice-President of Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios Inc. and the game's creator, unveiled the latest version of the game for 200 members of the international press. During the event, guests were able to enter a virtual competition and drive cars made by the constructors featured in the game on the Autodromo di Modena circuit. The University of Modena awarded Kazunori Yamauchi the prestigious recognition of ‘Laurea ad Honorem’.
Polyphony Digital has integrated Tag Heuer’s Live Timing Technology into Gran Turismo Sport, providing unparalleled timing solutions within the racing experience. The Gran Turismo franchise has sold more than 76,910,000 copies worldwide, and the latest iteration in the franchise, Gran Turismo Sport, was launched on 17th October in the USA and 18th October in Europe on PlayStation 4. Always at the cutting edge of interactive entertainment, Gran Turismo has chosen TAG Heuer as the game's first ever watch partner. A double first, in fact: it is the first time the game has partnered a watch brand, and it is also the first time that a high-end watch brand has been associated with a racing video game.
Physically, on the circuits, at Championship venues and in front rooms, on-screen and on consoles, with seamless integration of the brand, TAG Heuer is open to new opportunities and is tracking the very latest developments. The association between TAG Heuer and Gran Turismo is the most natural of partnerships, since TAG Heuer has been supporting major motor racing teams, with a presence on the most famous circuits, ever since it was founded.
Fittingly, when deciding to wear a watch for the first time in many years, Kazunori Yamauchi chose a TAG Heuer… He was instinctively drawn to the Swiss brand when the search for a watch partner was first mooted, to bring the game in line with all the major racing events across the world. As part of this new partnership, TAG Heuer has become the first Official Timekeeper and Official Watch for the new Gran Turismo Sport which will integrate the watch brand on its screens. The brand will be visible, as in races sponsored by TAG Heuer at every stage of the official timekeeping, at the trackside as well as in the rankings and the countdown.
One of the most innovative features in Gran Turismo Sport is the TAG Heuer Museum, where players can learn about historical events in the arts, geopolitics, the automotive world and the TAG Heuer brand. Each Museum "story" is brought to life by imagery and text. Gran Turismo Sport also includes an area called "Brand Central", where users can discover the values of TAG Heuer. An important and unique communication opportunity for the Swiss watch brand within Gran Turismo Sport, reaching millions of players around the world.
