As a dedicated player and follower of the racing simulation scene, I find myself reflecting on the legacy of Gran Turismo as it celebrates its monumental 25th anniversary in 2026. Polyphony Digital, the series' developer, is marking this milestone by showering players of Gran Turismo 7 with in-game rewards. It's a heartfelt 'thank you' to the community that has supported this iconic franchise through its highs and lows. Gran Turismo, once synonymous with PlayStation, defined an entire generation of racing games with its meticulous car models and unforgettable soundtracks. Yet, we've all witnessed the landscape shift. The rise of competitors like Forza redefined expectations, and many felt the GT series' prominence had waned. Gran Turismo 7 was heralded as a triumphant return to form at launch, but has it truly recaptured the magic? The initial excitement was tempered by critiques of a sparse single-player campaign and a controversial economy that seemed to nudge players towards microtransactions to acquire the most coveted vehicles. So, while we celebrate 25 years, a crucial question remains: are anniversary gifts enough to address the core issues players have been vocal about?

To its credit, Polyphony Digital continues its efforts to enhance the Gran Turismo 7 experience. The 25th-anniversary celebration is a significant part of that effort, offering tangible benefits to the player base. Here’s a breakdown of what’s on offer for players right now:

• Massive Credit Multiplier 🏆: For a limited time, rewards in Sports Mode races have been quintupled. Completing races now yields five times the normal credit payout, a boon for anyone looking to expand their virtual garage.

• Enhanced Online Time Trials: Credit earnings from online time trials have also received a substantial boost, providing another lucrative avenue for players to grind for their dream cars.

• Perfect Timing for New Content: This credit influx is strategically timed with the recent game update (version 1.26), which added a fresh roster of cars. Players can now reasonably afford these new additions without feeling the pinch.

• Exclusive Livestream Rewards: Engaging with the community has its perks. Players who tuned into the special anniversary live streams received gifts. The most dedicated fans who also watched the World Finals and participated in the Day 4 trivia were rewarded with the exclusive Ferrari Vision Gran Turismo—a digital marvel for any collection.

It's important to note that these opportunities were time-sensitive, with the final chance to claim rewards ending on December 4th, just ahead of Gran Turismo 7's nomination for Best Racing Game at The Game Awards. This gesture is undoubtedly a positive one. It incentivizes current players to jump back in and offers a generous token of appreciation. From a developer's perspective, it’s a smart move that could potentially attract newcomers curious about the franchise's celebratory momentum. The act of giving back to the community fosters goodwill and reminds us why we fell in love with Gran Turismo in the first place.

However, as a member of that community, I must voice the prevailing sentiment that persists beneath the surface of these celebrations. The gratitude for the rewards is genuine, but it exists alongside profound dissatisfaction. The anniversary bonuses, while welcome, feel like a temporary salve rather than a cure for the game's deeper ailments. The core grievances that have plagued Gran Turismo 7 since its earlier days remain largely unaddressed:

1. The Microtransaction Model: The game's economy is still structured in a way that makes acquiring top-tier cars a formidable grind, implicitly encouraging the purchase of credits with real money. This pay-to-progress faster model continues to be a major point of contention.

2. Single-Player Campaign Design: Many players, including myself, found the "Café Menu" campaign to be restrictive and lacking the depth and freedom of earlier GT titles. The progression felt on rails, and post-campaign content has been slow to materialize.

So, what does this mean for the future? The 25th anniversary is a moment to honor an incredible legacy, but it also serves as a crossroads. Polyphony Digital has shown it listens—the continued updates and this celebratory event prove that. Yet, the player base is looking for more than just periodic credit boosts. We are looking for systemic changes that reaffirm Gran Turismo's commitment to being a player-first simulation experience. Will the lessons from Gran Turismo 7's mixed reception shape the next 25 years? Only time will tell. For now, Gran Turismo 7 continues its journey, available on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, a testament to endurance in a rapidly evolving genre, celebrated and critiqued in equal measure.