Polyphony Digital has never included a Porsche into its Gran Turismo video game franchise. Ever. As the Gran Turismo 6 release date of December 6 nears, we can't help but ask: why can't we get our dirty mittens on a Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 or a 918 Spyder Wiessach Package?
You have the suits at EA Games to thank for that. EA made a deal with Porsche to launch a special edition "Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed" title for PC, Playstation, and Gameboy Advanced. However, the fine print in the collaboration also involved an exclusivity contract that will only allow Porsche to license to video games under the EA umbrella. Presently, "Need for Speed: Rivals" is the only game to feature Porsches.
For other racing game franchises including Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsports, the only possible way to include Porsche vehicles into the car list will be the directly deal with EA and negotiate licensing agreements. Naturally, EA turns down offers more often than not. Cunningly, Gran Turismo has been offering iconic RUF-built Porsches into its car lists as a loop hole against the EA barrier.
That said, contracts don't last forever. Will a Gran Turismo finally include Porsche in the near future? Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi answered the question during a lengthy interview with Eurogamer.
“We actually have a good relationship with Porsche – and as soon as the situation with their contract changes, one of these days they’ll appear in Gran Turismo,” says Yamauchi.
Gran Turismo 6 will offer 12 months worth of additional cars and continuous software updates to make sure the GT6 experience continues to evolve over time. However, that is no guarantee that Porsche will make it into Gran Turismo 6. "That, I’m not sure about. I think the Porsche and EA contract, the terms are a little bit longer.”
