Gran Turismo 7 Always Online to Fight Cheats Is Not Needed and Here's an Explanation Why

Gran Turismo 7 always online requirement to play all of its content is there to combat cheaters, but it's not even needed and MP1st explains why.

[moriarty1889]

Good read.

[Christopher]

Aren't the results used for competitions as well? It's not just "a solo" game is my understanding, but they use race results to get people into competitions and whatnot as well per their agreements with various racing associations.

Right?

I'd definitely love to see a completely solo option that is completely disconnected from online for those that want it. But, don't then complain about lacking online features if they do it. The fact this doesn't exist annoys me as when those servers go offline, the game is practically gone forever. No bueno.

[Nitrowolf2]

There really wouldn’t be anything stopping them from offering offline and online though. Even for competition, they simply don’t count offline scoring. Other games have done online/offline just fine, and myself playing through 7 I didn’t have any real interaction going against other players. Played it as if it were an offline game, there were just some things that were online focus like the shop having those YouTube videos, but even then it’s not a deal breaker if those weren’t available while offline.

The reasoning just doesn’t make any sense, and time will tell if that holds true when a GT is fully exclusive to the PS5, a console that has no means for legit users to move their PS5 saves off it

[fr0sty]

Simple solution: Arcade and Sim modes that do not store any race data online, no leaderboards. Local storage of results only (or cloud if you use your PS+ cloud save transfers).

Competition mode: same races, but online required, results are monitored for cheats.

[Father__Merrin]

The only way is to do a separate online and separate offline mode. Forza you can cheat on pc using wemod then just use it connected online. So for a GT game it's a must to be connected

[Magog]

Except you're wrong. Every game without online saves has cheaters.

[plmkoh]

All GT veterans know how much cheaters there were in GT5 because you can manipulate the save files. These guys are quick to forget.

[Firebird360]

Thats the typical answer when anything bad happens, blame the innocent and we suffer the consequences instead of addressing the problem and the people in the wrong.

[Spartacus10]

Most developers split the save data and game data for multiplayer/esports modes with the save data and game data for single player / offline modes. It shouldnt really be that hard for a Sony developer.

[Nitrowolf2]

tell me, where are the save modifications for Returnal? Ratchet and Clank? Death Loop? Ghostwire? (PS5 specific, so not counting PC which is an open platform)

You can't modify a save that's bound to the hardware.

The answer isn't always online when there are alternatives.
Why not bring the option to let developers lock game saves to the console like they did on the PS3? why must the answer to combat save editing be online always when they have had solutions before, and have reinstated that with the PS5?

@plmkoh

It's mentioned in the story, and the reasoning why it was such a major issue back then

[Teflon02]

The fact people are liking this stack of miss information lol.

Returnal, Ratchet, Deathloop, ghostwire... They're all single player games that don't affect anyone else if you cheat. I can also tell you 100% theirs easy ways to mod saves for those games, you just need to modify the authenticators as saves are tied to accounts through code. You're not on a level to speak on that if you're saying such false info.

You can always modify saved data, even if bound to hardware. But even so, that's also false information. It's bound to a PSN account that's ran through software. Hardware has nothing to do with bounding savings lol. Maybe on switch where you gotta give permission to a new console to access it specifically. Nut not PS.

Also, there's ways to get to a locked save.
Even worse, the only way you can ever transfer that save now is by paying for ps plus. that's creating new problems. The amount of times I had to start games over because of that stupidness... no game save should be locked ever. Having to start over is way more of a issues than having to be online tbh

[SurgicalMenace]

@Nitrowolf2

How many digital albums, games, pictures, movies, etc fade in your memory, naturally? You see, all forms of mediums, no matter their format age. This has little, if anything, to do with wear and tear. The human mind often hones in on future endeavors, making many experiences fade with time and distance. This is just a fact, when applying the same understanding to business it makes sense to let products fade or revitalize them through NEW innovations. How many people are lining up outside to purchase an Atari 2600, 8 track audio system, NES, or more recently DVDs? These all WERE popular and supported in their time but faded inevitably. Companies have to focus on sustainability over creation right now, as there are restraints on employment, finances, production, and resources. This is the main reason that they need to collect as much data as possible, so they know when to either pull the plug or channel focus.

I'm behind the closed doors of the industry and often do not see things as a consumer, there are far too many moving parts to allow for it. We just see things from different vantage points, which is understandable.

GT7 will be online only, as many games will be going forward, as the single player gamers aren't a community that can be focused on if sustainability is to be achieved. Fornite, GTA, Genshin Impact, FF14, or the likes' revenue can't be ignored by a successful company going forward. What do you gather is the real reason that Halo didn't focus on SP? Nor did Battlefield.

This new generation has an "always online" mentality in how they function in their day to day. FB, Snap Chat, Instagram, etc are all designed to keep them engaged online. Has it hit you yet that us "single players" "old schoolers" are the next fading idea? Which was once popular, itself. They have to adopt new functions that cater to the community of the future if they want to continue to thrive. No harm in that, and no surprise that there will be some who'll not support them. How many of our parents willingly supported the changes that they were met with as we grew up? Perhaps it too, is a memory that faded with time and distance.

[MadLad]

Has nothing to do with a singleplayer experience.
We've seen Sony trying to shutdown servers and entire storefronts.

So this game can potentially be worthless in the future, outside of people emulating it.

[SurgicalMenace]

Yeah, which is their right, Ted. Much like always online, if that's the way that these companies would like to do it, so be it. What's the drawback? A few crybabies lamenting over it not being the way they want it. Guess what, that's the way life is. It is beginning to sound like a lot of gamers have little to no understanding of how life works outside of games. You set the precedents or you live by them. Simple

How many of your old vehicles, clothes, games, toys, or the like have faded with time? Things grow old but often times they're replaced by new things. With your logic, even if Sony sees little support for an avenue, they should keep that channel opened even if they're losing money. Delusional. If you started a business and it wasn't successful anymore, would you keep it opened? Have any of you thought, like the internet, that these games being always online is a way to properly measure interaction with their product? Call of Duty, Halo, Forza, etc are all online but when you want to prove a point you'll state how many people are playing it. How do you suppose they gathered that data?

Our systems track what and how long we play games now. This is true for Sony, MS, Nintendo, PC, and the like. This can be used to measure. Nothing wrong with it. All because there's scheduled maintenance every once in a while, much like our internet providers, now it's a problem. Perhaps next time it's down for maintenance, read a book, watch a movie, go outside, or....play another game. Soon everyone will be crying about having to even sleep, given that's when your body shuts down for scheduled maintenance too.

Note: MT are a choice, if you don't like them, don't buy them. How weak have people become to have to cry about everything not going their way?

[Magog]

It's not a single player game. It's mixed online and single player. Allowing cheating in one aspect would allow cheating in the other.

[Nitrowolf2]

" Call of Duty, Halo, Forza, etc are all online"

Yes, but not always so it's proving the point that it can be done.

I can go back and play the original MW if i wanted to, campaign, local MP, and the servers there are P2P so they're still active.

Halo has a full campaign that players can dive into, and Infinite allows offline bots

Forza, really? The whole campaign is fully playable offline and Playgrounds has been open at making it playable like that.

The provided examples you gave are all online focused, yet they provide to solo play just fine, and that hasn't stopped them from collecting data from people who do play online or earn money off them.

I think everyone understands life outside a game, but ur also comparing physical to digital, you know something that gets wear and tear every time you use it, versus something that is digital that won't wear down? Sure it will age as other better visual stuff come in, but the game will be the same the day you bought it, and 20-50 years from now. Look at the original Mario from the 90's. Its the same game. Is there something better? sure, but it looks exactly the same as the day you bought and plays the same. Mario isn't suddenly going to have rust crusting over him.

[MadLad]

@surgical

This site is so hilariously hypocritical.
One moment they're anti-digital, and physical media is the way to go to preserve games.

The next they're defending companies cutting off the ability for paying customers to play the game, even just in single player, because it's "their right"; even when you own a physical disc.

Pick your battles, man.

[SurgicalMenace]

@OOMagnumGaming

That's fine coming from a child who cant handle someone's, who actually has produced and made millions in this industry, observation. If I'm a clown, then what's that make you? I am not just for Sony but I am and will always be procompany. Terms like "consumer-friendly" or anything of the like are socialistic rhetoric of which no one that's actually successful even acknowledges. These companies already provide for price drops, discounts, liquidations, etc. How much money do you expect them to lose all so you can continue doing what your anger clearly shows you can'tcontinuely support? Why else would anyone be complaining?

Lastly, I'm currently invested heavily in this market so when they win, so do I. I'd gather that you're wisdom hasn't allowed you to see passed just playing the games that they sell you, huh? Well, with a vision as shortsighted as that, I can see where your frustrations are truly coming from. Dude/Ma'am/Sir/It, just play your games as you make yourself appear as a clown telling individuals that can't be upset by anything concerning entertainment to stfu. This is a luxury not a priority unless you're making a living from it. Anger/frustration is a result of lack, take that as you will. If it remains perhaps less gaming and more working. I'm not sure, but I'm far from being as unhinged as most I've encountered. Have a better day.

[Iceball2000]

Didn’t Sony and Polyphony Digital already come out why it needs to be online. Yes for cheaters but because GT is FIA certified and needs to have its checks and balances. I’m fine with that. As long everything is kosher.

[gamerz]

Glad everyone understands that the single player mode requires an active online connection 100% of the time and that the Polyphony servers must be up and running, otherwise you can't play.

[UltimateRacer]

That’s not an issue for me atleast, I’ve played GTsport for years and never had an issue with its online connectivity, now with GT7 it’s the same, I understand some peoples concern and by all means complain and moan if it’s beneficial for you but some need to stop attacking others that don’t have an issue with the online connectivity, I’m not saying you personally or anything just my view on GT at the moment, peace ✌🏻

[Dee_91]

Well they "attack" others that don't have issues because downplaying always online dim the light on the issues it bring. Just because your internet is solid, doesn't mean everyone else's is. Always online shouldn't be a thing for cheaters and modded saves alone because the save file could be authenticated when it connects online like other games like GTA online. I personally don't get affected by always online because im in a major city with constant internet, but I can understand completely why people don't like it and bash people who downplay it

[SyntheticForm]

Sony secured trust over the entire PS4 generation. Now that they've secured it, here come the predatory, non-gamer friendly microtransactions.

People had to have known this wouldn't and couldn't last.

[MadLad]

Sony is good at getting cocky and greedy.
They do highly well with the PS1 and PS2, so they release the PS3 at a high cost with a complicated, proprietary CPU that 3rd parties didn't want to deal with, resulting in often times poorer ports, then also resulting in the first time they were neck and neck in a console generation.
They also remove BC then double down on lackluster remasters because money.

The PSP does well, so they bring out the Vita, charge an insane amount for their proprietary storage, barely support it, and then basically pretend like it doesn't exist.

With the PS4 they honestly got to double down on their luck because they were humbled from the generation prior, and Microsoft completely and utterly dropped the ball with the Xbox One.

Now it's the next generation, they're cocky again, so $70 games, paid upgrade paths, locking BC behind a pricey paywall. Grab Turismo speaks for itself.
Their biggest games acquisition, by far, being a company they only want so they can consult on a bunch of gas titles they have planned. Which is funny, because people here kept saying Gamepass was going to end up nothing but GaaS titles, and they account for a minuscule amount of the games on offer. Whereas Sony announces ten so far. Spending money on one company to better make that happen instead of purchasing a bunch of quality studios who could be making exclusives for them.

They don't learn.
Microsoft is only improving and expanding. Sony is seeing just how much they can milk their dedicated fanbase.

[Tetsujin]

Until offline mode is added I deleted this game and flat out refuse to buy anymore always online games that don't need it. I bought GT 7 because I'm a big fan of the older games; but this is unacceptable to be forced into waiting 30+ hours over a whole 1-2% of the people who complain about cheating.

And the people who argue in favor of always online; either you're a die hard fanboy of a specific name/series, or you never gamed before the internet became the thing for gaming. It's not about cheating, its about being able to access what you paid for with minimal to no issues.

If there's an option for a refund, sign me up.

[Charal]

I am kind of bored about this topic going on and on with GT games.
With all the people praising game pass, shared content, live stream, chat with friend during game, etc…can we stop the cringe about needing a connection while gaming?

We cannot even take a dump without a live connection these days.

[Orchard]

This is a game that requires an internet connection at all times when playing single player.

That’s not the same as GamePass at all. 99% of game pass games work offline.

It also didn’t age well when everyone was unable to play single player modes for over a day within the first week after launch because the servers had issues.

[Charal]

And you cannot download any game pass game even an offline single player one if your connection or game pass servers are down the day you want to install and play it.

I fully support criticism about car prices and MT on Gt7, but recent issue with patch 1.07 was a one time issue that will never re-occur, no need to Karen it so much.

[Orchard]

@Charal Which is the standard scenario for any digital title, but once acquired, you can play offline.

You can go to Walmart and buy GT7 and you will never be able to play the singleplayer 'campaign' offline... That is not a standard scenario and is unacceptable. It was unacceptable when MS tried it back in 2013, and it's still unacceptable when Sony did it in 2022. No excuses.

@SuperStan It went down within a week of release. What happens when it goes down again? Or when they decide to shut the servers down?

The fact remains, there is zero justification for why singleplayer components of the game need to be always online.

[Knushwood Butt]

You haven't played GT7.

Don't pretend you care.

[Orchard]

@Knushwood Whether I play GT7 or not is irrelevant (not that you can prove either way anyway).

I care about the overall state of the industry, especially as it relates to us consumers.

[Knushwood Butt]

It's totally relevant, because everything you know about the game is stuff you've read.

If you're up for some time challenges, PM me your login and I'll send you a friend request. I'm confident that your times will be legit.

'I care about the overall state of the industry, especially as it relates to us consumers.'.

I'll keep that in mind.

Right, I'm off to play some GT7.

[Abear21]

I wish there was an offline mode. Staying in a hotel for 6 weeks for work and the unreliable connection makes the game unplayable for me atm…it’s a bummer for sure.

[Bobertt]

The always online isn't for cheats it's for their micro transactions. Someone would find a way to exploit the credits if they made it offline only so you wouldn't need to buy their overpriced micro transactions.

[2moda5gamer]

I guess the issue comparing it to other racers here is that non of them have as serious/professional of an online community as GT does. There's quite a bit behind this online decision even though it's far from perfect.
Hopefully there's a better solution because there would be too many people unable to play this in current form.

[Stanjara]

If I payed 70 euros for a game, to play it on my official firmware Playstation, or whatever hardware, why is cheating in a offline game bad?

If I want to enter GODMode and have every car and track in the game, what is wrong with that???

I payed that shit 70 euros.
If I play that game for 1 minute, ONE, I PAYED for that!

PD should have made Sport mode separated.

They surely know how to do it.

Oh and if everyone is wandering the answer to all of this is Jim money.

I'm not buying this Cafe campaign runing over road cones barista mustach renesanse simulator.

[ScootaKuH]

Love me a bit of GT7. Don't love me a bit of always online.

Won't buy the next GT if it follows this trend