Are microtransactions included in Gran Turismo 7?

The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) revealed that Gran Turismo 7 would include microtransactions at launch. While details regarding whether it will affect gameplay progression have been scarce, its presence will likely attract players to fork out real-world money to acquire in-game items extensively.

Nevertheless, the game has received generally positive reviews in the lead-up to its global release. In a PlayStation subreddit, microtransactions in Gran Turismo 7 were recently discussed, with many wondering the extent of the business model in-game.

Will Gran Turismo 7 include microtransactions?

The short answer is yes. As mentioned above, this was revealed in the game's ESRB rating, in which the regulator body disclosed that Gran Turismo 7 would feature "in-game purchases" upon its release.

As of writing, the regulator body and the developer have yet to detail the extent of microtransactions in Gran Turismo 7, which will also come with an alcohol and tobacco warning. However, the inclusion of microtransactions isn't surprising due to their growing prevalence in contemporary titles.

Aside from Gran Turismo 7, Gran Turismo Sport was the other game in the racing series to include "in-game purchases". As a result, you may have to spend real-world money to acquire cars and racing parts by purchasing in-game currency via the PlayStation Store.

The subject of microtransactions in Gran Turismo 7 became a hot topic of discussion on a PlayStation subreddit. One Reddit user shared an image taken from PlayStation's State of Play showcase in February 2022.

The accompanying image shows a transaction being made where you can "top-up" in-game credits for Gran Turismo 7 by purchasing them from the PlayStation Store. These in-game credits are then redeemed against cars, performance upgrade parts, customisation parts and more.

On the question of whether the game will be "pay-to-win", one Reddit user explained why this wouldn't be the case in Gran Turismo 7. "It's not pay-to-win, you only race in the same class anyway. If you bought an F1 car you're only gonna be allowed to face other F1 cars," user Adzzii_ wrote.

The same Reddit user further commented, "There's no advantage, just a personal benefit for getting the car without any work. Grinding is super easy in Gran Turismo anyway, and it'll most likely stay that way. Credits are not a problem at all for free players."

Another Reddit user, Spark_77, added that while GT Sport included microtransactions, however, for Gran Turismo 7, this is likely applicable for players who want to own cars and parts instantly. "If you do the challenges [and] things, you get loads of free cars, [like] a car per day if you drive for 26 miles etc. It's only for the impatient 'gotta have it immediately' crowd."

It's important to note that its competitor title, Forza Horizon 5, also features microtransactions; however, the extent included various car expansions packs, Treasure Map and the VIP Membership, to name.

Gran Turismo 7 launches 4th March 2022 for PlayStation 4 and 5 with pre-loading available now.

• Read more: Gran Turismo 7 file size - How big is the download?

Featured image courtesy of Polyphony Digital.