PlayStation 3: Most Discussed Console In Video Game History?
Now, I'm old enough to remember all the way back to the earliest video game consoles, but for the life of me, I can't recall a system that has received so much enduring discussion and debate as the PlayStation 3.
At first, it was relatively normal. Despite the early gloom and doom - and I will refer you to my earlier article if you think any of it still applies in 2009 - the amount of discussion articles dedicated to Sony's new machine didn't seem abnormally high. It really only reminded me of the PS2, and maybe the original Xbox. In all honesty, I do vividly remember the amount of excitement generated by the Super Nintendo after the original NES took the blossoming gaming world by storm, but that was well before the time when the media had become...well, the media for this industry. So perhaps the last generation had the most amount of long-running hype and argument, but that may have all changed: well over two years after the system's launch, the PS3 continues to demand a large portion of the industry's scrutiny, and an almost equally large portion of forum conversations around the Internet. Obviously, I don't have any hard-and-fast statistics; I can only go by what I see. Anecdotal evidence, I know. But I think everyone will agree that PS3-related topics still get a ton of attention, and they're topics that typically die out after the first year.
A lot of the discussion certainly centers on ignorance, but I'm simply talking about general attention. For whatever reason, the PS3 continues to turn many, many heads on a continual basis, and the subjects range from power to software to Sony-oriented business topics. At this time, with the generation in full swing, one would've expected an evening out of sorts, but that doesn't appear to be in the cards for this machine. I haven't decided yet whether or not this will turn out to be a benefit in terms of sales...probably not, considering the ignorance level of some of the articles I'm talking about is through the effing roof. But I do know that anything with "PlayStation 3" in the headline demands attention at all times, and I'm starting to think that it may be - or will become - the most talked about console in video game history. Does anyone else agree with this, or do they remember more elongated discussion for another system in the past? Maybe my memory is just on the blink, but it seems unlikely. I've got one of the best memories on earth. ;)
I suppose the key now is to insure that things don't spiral out of control, because that could lead to many mainstream consumers facing a deluge of confusing and conflicting information when they set out to purchase a game console. Well...that's why we're here.
2/8/2009 Ben Dutka
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Comments (79 posts)
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, February 08, 2009 @ 10:22:02 PM
www
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 5:45:30 AM
chaosrunner
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 8:52:27 AM
bigrailer19
Sunday, February 08, 2009 @ 10:12:09 PM
Reply
rell
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 8:41:50 AM
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, February 08, 2009 @ 10:21:18 PM
www
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 5:47:55 AM
LightShow
Sunday, February 08, 2009 @ 10:17:40 PM
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I mean, if you really look at it a little, you see the Sony camp gaining ground, with the M$ camp deciding that if it ignores and denies Sony's progress enough, it'll disappear.
Most discussed, yes, but as many will insinuate, there's no debate. The debate's over.
AceTatsujin
Sunday, February 08, 2009 @ 10:21:06 PM
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WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, February 08, 2009 @ 10:33:49 PM
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95% of the press is bad, and the good 5% comes from this site. Even PS3 sites are infested with xbot journalists and xbot members who trash PS3 instead of playing games. I still read stuff about how it's failing or struggling just because it isn't in first place.
I'd say it's plausible that most of the PS3 talk comes from 360 fanboys that spend their days making youtube videos and writing pretend articles with no facts to make themselves feel better about their shoddy machine. End tirade.
The Cheat
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 4:02:44 AM
WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 10:49:38 AM
ps92117
Sunday, February 08, 2009 @ 10:41:20 PM
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Deleted User
Sunday, February 08, 2009 @ 10:49:55 PM
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Just pure jealousy from these people. Maybe Sony's top brass have made a lot of mistakes the last 2 years but when it's all said and done, I think people will forgive them because already I can see how versatile my 60 GB console really is. I can watch Blu-Ray movies, play PS1-3 games, surf the Internet, visit the virtual world of PS Home and game online for free. Can you do that on a 360 out of the box?
Last edited by n/a on 2/8/2009 10:51:15 PM
Scarecrow
Sunday, February 08, 2009 @ 10:57:10 PM
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Wii: Talked 'bout the hardcore mostly in negative ways once in a while. Talked 'bout the casuals here and there. But since casuals don't play that much it's like it's more of a playing thing, not much to talk 'bout.
360: If it's not Gears of War or Halo it's like...............meeeeeh
ps3: Everything! blu-ray, games, Cell processor, HOME, etc.
ps3 has the longest life expectancy and overall has more to build on(as it is the true next-gen console).
dm583
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 @ 1:32:03 PM
Jamaican_Heat
Sunday, February 08, 2009 @ 11:09:37 PM
Reply
ThePoetRazel
Sunday, February 08, 2009 @ 11:18:12 PM
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Any chance you can put these articles on a separate RSS feed to the actual news?
btw, how many thumbs down am i gonna get from the drones? Who ever guesses correct gets an imaginary cookie.
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 12:00:59 AM
LegendaryWolfeh
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 4:54:57 PM
DONMIKESHOW
Sunday, February 08, 2009 @ 11:46:43 PM
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"Apple Dominates Top 10 Most Talked About Brands in Social Networking"
by Bryan Chaffinon February 2nd, 2009 at 6:25 PM"
"...Microsoft, on the other hand, had its first appearance on the list at #5 with Xbox and #10 Microsoft."
You can find the full list at Vitrue's Web site.
The Top 20 in the Vitrue 100:
iPhone
CNN
Apple
Disney
Xbox
Starbucks
iPod
MTV
Sony
Dell
Microsoft
Ford
Nintendo
Target
PlayStation
Mac
Turner
Hewlett-Packard
Fox News
BlackBerry
karneli lll
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 2:23:13 AM
opsdaddy
Sunday, February 08, 2009 @ 11:49:26 PM
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@ThePoetRazel: Lighten up, man. Sure, it's not the most newsworthy thing Ben has reported on, but it gets people talking, and that's vital to keeping an online community energized.
Also, just because we give kudos to Ben on occasion doesn't make us drones. If you read widely about this industry, like I do, you just come across so much horseshit written by half-wit poseurs that you just wanna scream.
And when I feel like that, I check in here, catch up with Ben or Arnold's latest, or read a witty comment or two from my PSXE brethren, and somehow, I feel at home. Sorry it doesn't hit you the same way.
Last edited by opsdaddy on 2/8/2009 11:50:57 PM
JaktheDaxter
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 12:29:20 AM
Jed
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 2:23:24 AM
PS3_Wizard
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 @ 8:43:37 AM
Powershifter
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 1:48:13 PM
End of line
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 12:14:58 AM
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Off topic: Hmm its funny, I've just realised the next one will be the first PS without Ken K at the helm who has seemingly always pushed for technological developments.
guincog
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 12:35:24 AM
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If anything, wouldn't the PS2 be the most discussed considering it has sold a sh** ton and had a far longer active lifespan than any other console ever?
The Sony PS3 Fan Kool Aid must be some strong sh** for you to completely forget the last freaking console.
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 1:04:10 AM
And if you didn't understand the article in the first place, don't comment. I'm talking about ENDURING discussion; the PS2 headlines were not in abundance in its third year, especially in comparison to the Xbox.
Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 2/9/2009 1:04:35 AM
www
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 5:56:15 AM
he's talkin' discussions like:
1.Does the ps3 need savin'
2.Will blu-ray win the format war so ps3 has the edge?
3.Will the ps3 be in the last place this gen?
etc,etc,etc.....
PS2 didn't receive this much SCRUTINY.
It's scrutiny not fame and popularity.
We all know the ps2 was most popular and best-seller! He's talkin' S-C-R-U-T-I-N-Y!
Last edited by www on 2/9/2009 5:56:37 AM
AceTatsujin
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 1:19:58 AM
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KevinCairo
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 1:53:37 AM
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The playstation blog at least manages to find plenty of positive things about the PS3, and playstation in general, for their weekly "PlayStation Around the Web: What We Read" post.
opsdaddy
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 2:10:57 AM
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In fact, a small contingent of technical media, detecting changes were afoot, began to sit up and take notice. This trend came full circle when Ars Technica, after dishing out some of the console's harshest early criticism, agreed to re-review the PS3 after Sony had addressed many of its shortcomings. The result: the PS3's score improved from a measly 6 in 2006 to a robust 9 in 2008. Not bad, huh?
Unfortunately, stories like that are few and far between. And it does no good to directly oppose most of these soft-headed souls in the media, because they'll collectively shove their fingers into their ears and drown you in a sea of cheap-shots, banter and ballyhoo.
So, how do we address this media bias? By participating on websites like this, discussing the PS3 often (with friends and foes alike), and performing the occasional living room demonstration, that's how. Don't laugh--Over the past year, I've personally converted 2 Halo-kissing 360 gamers to the cause just by inviting them over for a go at Uncharted or LittleBigPlanet. It's amazing how effectively top-drawer titles sell themselves.
In fact, the next time a non-gaming friend wants to stop by, make sure you're playing a PS3 gem when they knock. Encourage them to take a crack at it. You might be surprised by what happens next.
Last edited by opsdaddy on 2/9/2009 2:52:04 AM
The Stig
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 9:32:18 AM
www
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 6:06:20 AM
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When i say scared,i mean it's like a beast waitin' to unleash it's power within,n it's wrath can't be handled by the haters thus they would do anythin' to kill the beast before it becomes a major problem,catch my drift?
Devs still say there's still enough power the ps3 is yet to unleash n that makes the hostiles uncomfortable since they're not willin' to buy a ps3 and want the 360 to win the war once and for all.
Last edited by www on 2/9/2009 6:06:42 AM
FLYING_APE
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 6:51:58 AM
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I suggest all the ps3 owner laugh it off, there's no point arguing because there ignorant.
rezenu
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 6:54:02 AM
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Then you have the media. The media has been talking trash about the Playstation brand since the PS2 in the beginner stages. They questioned whether it'll surpass the Dreamcast. They claimed it was too hard for developers to master. And we all know what happened afterwards.
The only thing the PS3 needs is some heavy powered advertising and a pricedrop. Either way, it's not going anywhere and the media better get used to it.
isaya85
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 8:32:58 AM
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I was watching the hiphopgamer show last night and he mentioned something that really got me thinking, he was talking about the comiccon expo or what have you, he said about 95% of the gaming booths were xbox360 showing off multiplatform games, he also said how M$ were geniuses for doing that, he mentioned how it made M$ look like the were the face of gaming. where was Sony???
My thing is even though Sony may not feel comiccon is a big deal they still need as much publicity as they could possibly get and from the footage he was showing M$ had that event in the bag, this year has to be the year Sony pushes the PS3 it has the games and the pricecut is coming soon but all that isn't going to mean a thing if the majority don't know about your product.
raztad
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 8:37:52 AM
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From http://www.n4g.com/tech/News-274417.aspx
Microsoft Infiltrates Firefox
"This is a very serious breach of user trust. Not only is this package delivered without explicit approval, it's also made difficult to remove. Moreover, its use is not clear. Lastly, the change affects third-party software, not one of Microsoft products, so the question is, what the hell did Microsoft want to achieve with this nebulous, spyware-like update?"
Above may sound a bit off topic but if that is their way to kill competition, I can not even imagine what tactics they are using with the PS3.
Good article Ben. Congrats.
BikerSaint
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 1:51:44 PM
It's just their little way of saying.....
"We're working hard.........................
to monopolize the world"!
If you remember MicroSNEAKYsoft even got their hands involved in the Burger King chain, so they could make 3 "SNEAK KING" Burger video games for Xbox some years back.
Powershifter
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 1:59:28 PM
ResinChem
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 8:56:30 AM
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I've owned the Atari 2600, ColecoVision, various Sega systems, then pretty much left the console market for PC games until the PS1. I've owned original release versions of the PS1, PS2 and PS3 (60GB - upgraded hard drive, but still ticking along). For no particular reason, I've never owned a Nintendo or MS system... just prefer Sony.
So, having said all that, I feel like I have at least some basic qualifications to chime in here. Ben... (I really enjoy your articles and perspsective, by the way), I do tend to agree with you in terms of total media coverage. However, that includes today's Internet where anyone with a connection can post a diatribe, whether there is any truth to it or not. If you take the entire Internet out of the picture, which I know really isn't the point of this article, I think that 'word-on-the-street' and overall excitement was highest with the Atari 2600 and maybe the Nintendo NES, followed by the PS1. These were the systems that every kid wanted at Christmas. And if you had one, you were 'King Sh#t' at school and everyone wanted to be your friend.
Now, maybe it's the fact that there are more quality systems owned by more people, but it seems that if you have a next-gen system today, it's not a 'celebration' but you are instead subject to flaming/ridicule, etc. If I mention to a co-worker that I have a PS3, 7 times out of 10, he will own an 360 (or God-forbid a Wii) and will start a heated discussion about why his system is better than PS3. And even if he doesn't have a system, he has at least heard more about the 360 or Wii (come on Sony marketing!) and will still tend to knock the PS3, just based on all this so-called coverage.
So, maybe it's not a real difference in total level of coverage/discussion, but a huge change in tone. Where before, it was all about being a part of the gamer world. If I had a ColecoVision and my friend had an Intellivision, there wasn't an argument about which system was better. It was about when we could visit each other and try the other system. We were both thrilled to have a system and at least a few games to play.
Maybe that's what really bothers me (my wife says I'm just getting old and cranky). Most of the coverage today is all about which system is better, which will fail, which will have the next 'xx Killer', etc. instead of a celebration of how good we really have it with ALL the next gen systems and how far the industry has really come along... at least partially BECAUSE of this competition.
Whew... been wanting to get that off my chest for a long time now. Thanks again, Ben, Arnold and the rest of the PSXExtreme staff for someplace where, as a general rule, the focus is on celebrating the PS3 and at least a little bit less about how my system can beat up your system!
The Stig
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 9:39:12 AM
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 10:23:50 AM
I know exactly what you're saying. I did an article a while ago (not sure if you remember it) where I asked if anyone noticed that the general tone of gaming amongst fans is more hostile than it once was. The Internet plays a big role in the entire picture, of course, but as you said, people will immediately want to argue with you over which system is "better." I don't remember this happening in the old days and I don't think you do, either.
And this translates to the PS3's attention, because a lot of that attention (especially early on) was extremely negative. I guess it's a matter of perspective, but for the most part, I really do think things have changed drastically in terms of both tone and attitude.
ResinChem
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 11:16:31 AM
Yes I do remember that article and was tempted to post then as I really agreed with your comments. But as I mentioned, I tend to lurk and could probably count on one hand the number of times I've actually posted to a forum or an article.
But the involvement of the authors in the follow-up comments and the moderation that you maintain on the site, such as the recent ban of... well, I don't want to say his name, but it started with a 'Jo' and ended with '360' :)... finally convinced me that I might be able to post something without immediately being jumped on by someone else.
Keep up the great work and I'll try to contribute where I feel it's appropriate and I can add something useful.
Arvis
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 @ 2:31:07 PM
Powershifter
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 2:11:48 PM
I remember those days. I had a Nintendo NES, and some friends had a genesis. We'd always get together and have fun. There was NEVER a discussion on which system was better until I bought a Playstation 1 and my best friend bought a Nintendo 64. And yet, even with the 'which is better' arguments, we still enjoyed hanging out at each others houses playing each others video games. It's a shame things changed...
FFVII King
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 10:01:39 AM
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 10:24:29 AM
WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 12:31:33 PM
PS3_Wizard
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 @ 8:47:12 AM
Lord carlos
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 11:01:09 AM
The Stig
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 11:52:47 AM
Lord carlos
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 12:06:21 PM
Powershifter
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 2:23:37 PM
bigrailer19
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 10:53:43 AM
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a little off topic sorry but it does pertain to
the system and the others so...
check that link out it talks about the next graphics chips that will be in sony , nintendo and microsofts next machines, and the release for there systems all being round 2012... anyways i could tell u whats in the article but the link is there if interested check it out some info that's interesting even if it is a little early to be true or false!?!?
BikerSaint
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 2:22:39 PM
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Great first post!
And coming from the oldest(56) member here, welcome to the "Senior Member's Club(and if my CRS doesn't kick in, I think that now make 3 of us "oldies, but goodies") LOL
Yeah, I remember some of those good ole days too. I actually used to buy the TI99's in wholesale lots for $30 each & resell em from home for $99.
As for my own gaming, I've had both the Atari 2600, Intellevision & the Colecovision too(YAY, Donkey Kong, Burgertime, & Dungeons & Dragons)but like a dumbass, had sold them off.
But I learned from my prior mistake by keeping the rest of my old consoles, the SNES, Atari Jaguar w/64 bit adaptor, Panasonic 3DO, Genisis, Saturn, N64, original Xbox, PS1 & PS(which I still go back & play all of em).
And soon, I'm about to buy a used 60GB PS3 & 360Elite, for even more good great fun).
chaosrunner
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 3:44:35 PM
My recently departed aunt had us all beat, though. She was 60 and I got my first taste of home gaming consoles on her 2600. She never owned another system after that because she realized, after coming home from work and putting in Pacman and looking up 'a little while later' to see the sun rise, that she had a problem.
Robochic
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 3:30:00 PM
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I've been working in and out of the gaming community and i think over the years it's getting worse and worse with the fighting back and forth, i don't ever remember this type of console wars in the dreamcast/sony/n64 days everyone had their choice and that was that, now it's like even if you mention what console you have and if the other person doesn't have it BAM they give you dirty looks or make fun of you, when did the world become so childish.
Here's what i mean, i went into ebgames only girl in there i'm a regular customer so they know me and i was putting money down on my RE5 game, so i told them what i wanted their was this guy who was making fun of me because of the console i had and lets say the comments were sexist and rude i never even said anything to him it's like he had to give me his opion on the console i shouldn't have, store manager kicked him out but i don't know if anyone else gets that but even if i'm standing looking at Wii or Ps3 games i have xbox supporter making some comment. The world needs to grow up!
Frenchy17
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 7:51:23 PM
Bill_Clinton_
Monday, February 09, 2009 @ 6:15:11 PM
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Arvis
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 @ 2:33:39 PM
bunneyo
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 @ 11:56:10 AM
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you know theres a comment by sum1 named "www" that says haters want to see the ps3 fail becoz their scared of the beast! this is totally true, the xbox 360 came out first, it got the marketing, the hype, the spotlight, but lets be honest it doesn't stand a chance up against the ps3's full power, it doesn't come anywere near....guttin! we've been told, welll i have that the ps3 is only scratching its surface on what it can actually do! and we as the consumer do have to realise that as technology advances we're gona get the latest and best software/hardware! evidence of the ps3....mint! and thats what i beleve like "www" said is what the xbox fans are scared of!the xbox has reached its peak, well over a year ago when gta4 hits its hardware, not a dent on the ps3, the difference is there and yes with all this techno mumbo jumbo jargan and jizz, sonys ps3 stomps it foot on MS! by the time the xbox 540/720 or wa eva its gna be called is released the ps3 will probly be cl;ose to hitting its full potential, the xbox can only compete with that, sony only have to release updates which i and millions of others will happly stroll to the shop to buy! when the xboxs next gen(540/720) is released and competin with the ps3 still, sony can develop, create, maufacture and release what i cant wait for......the PlayStation 4!ps3 is worth its money, and yes a slight drop in price will ride the sale whale over the xbox 360, this price cut is what millions are waitin for! what makes me wonder is how would the outcome be if the ps3 was released closer to the xbox 360 launch with only a few million innit now!
BigBoss4ever
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 @ 2:08:07 PM
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Dingodial
Wednesday, February 11, 2009 @ 4:15:26 PM
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Yeah, PS3 is quite a star. In good ways and bad. I just hope only good is spoken about it in the years to come.
Powershifter
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 2:39:25 PM
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FeyeR
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Sunday, February 08, 2009 @ 10:08:41 PM
"the ps3 continues to turn man[y], many heads"
back on topic, the ps3 is definantly getting alot of attention in the media, but not necessarily for the good... The mainstream consumer this generation sees the ps3 as just an expensive gaming machine.
But I also have a feeling gran turismo and gow3 will change a lot.