Gran Turismo 7 was not too long ago dropped from the esports class of the 2022 FIA Motorsport Video games and lots of have been reasoning this was as a result of Polyphonic was constructing its personal official esports collection. Nevertheless, a number of present and ex-professional Gran Turismo gamers have stated Polyphony Digital wants to alter the present format of the esports competitions seeing as they aren’t actually possible for gamers to construct a future skilled profession from them.
Gran Turismo esports gamers are leaving the competitors
A number of Gran Turismo opponents have voiced their issues in regards to the franchise’s future in esports after a lot of them felt pressured to desert their budding esports careers. They cite the dearth of prize cash, potential to draw sponsorships, and different help, particularly the indifference from workers on the occasions, in keeping with Jalponik (thanks ResetEra). Whereas the very elite tournaments can provide prizes resembling TAG Heuer watches and BBS wheels, the smaller ones provide little or no apart from an incredible all-expenses-paid expertise. With no prize cash coming in, gamers can’t get the help that will allow them to flip esports racing right into a profession.
Sponsorship isn’t actually an choice both. Gran Turismo tournaments have a rule that gamers are barred from sporting any group or sponsor logos throughout competitors. They need to put on the franchise’s jersey, gloves, and boots on stage as a substitute. With no promotional prospects, a number of the Gran Turismo tournaments are struggling to draw sponsors and so are the gamers. Some have joined esports groups, just for these groups to surrender on Gran Turismo as a result of they’re getting no returns on their funding. As ex-competitor Florent Pagandet stated:
Certain, I like the concept of being in a recreation franchise I grew up with, however there’s at all times that little a part of me saying “all these efforts and occasions for no cash”. It might sound grasping, however once we’re presupposed to be the skilled esports gamers of Gran Turismo, having no cash on the road at all times places in perspective all of the efforts finished, particularly when visibility doesn’t give again a lot both.
Esports gamers in different video games can earn 1000’s of {dollars} per yr, however it doesn’t appear like that risk might be coming to Gran Turismo tournaments anytime quickly. Employees have complained that they’re not correctly compensated both and that the tournaments lose “a great deal of cash” once they’re held. Thus far, the one financial compensation gamers have acquired was for gear wanted for them to compete in on-line tournaments in the course of the covid pandemic. Pagandet, who left the esports competitions in 2020, strengthened this notion:
I see no near-term suggestion of huge change nor optimistic modifications, which is a disgrace as I consider there’s a lot potential to unleash. Nevertheless it’s contained throughout the small circle of what they need to do/are doing with it. I need to stay hopeful, however I feel that in the event that they don’t do an enormous refresh, even on basic ranges, on their esports scene, it is not going to assist […] I’d be comfortable to be confirmed flawed.
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