Sony’s GT Sophy racing AI, which made its prototype debut nearly two years ago and had a public beta eight months ago, is making a comeback as Gran Turismo Sophy 2.0. The updated version will be available to all PlayStation 5 users as part of the GT7 Spec II Update (Patch Update 1.40) releasing on November 2, 2022.
Back in February 2022, the Sophy system was already proving its superiority over professional Gran Turismo players. Sony AI CEO, Hiroaki Kitano, emphasized that Gran Turismo Sophy’s purpose is not just to be better than human players, but to provide players with a stimulating opponent that can push their skills and creativity to new levels. Kitano also highlighted the potential applications of this AI breakthrough in areas such as autonomous racing, autonomous driving, high-speed robotics, and control.
During the system’s public beta in February, the AI competed against a select group of users in the “Gran Turismo Sophy Race Together” event. Players who were well-advanced in the game got the opportunity to race against four AI-controlled opponents in a limited number of tracks.
Sony AI’s COO, Michael Spranger, explained that the difference between racers lies in the power they have compared to other cars on the track. As players progressed through the race rounds, their advantage of having a more powerful vehicle diminished as Sophy gained access to increasingly capable vehicles. In September, Sophy even learned to drift, making it an even more formidable opponent.
According to Spranger, Gran Turismo Sophy has evolved from a research project into a functional game feature that enhances the overall racing experience by providing players with a formidable, human-like opponent.
With the recent announcement, Gran Turismo Sophy’s capabilities have expanded significantly. It can now pilot a total of 340 vehicles, compared to the mere four models available during the beta event. These vehicles span across nine unique tracks, allowing Sophy to drive 95 percent of the playable in-game models. To maintain fairness, Sophy selects its car for the race based on what the player has available in their garage, avoiding situations where players face off against mismatched opponents.
Players can now challenge Sophy in Quick Race mode, regardless of their progression in the game or skill level. As long as they have a PS5, a network connection, and the latest update patch installed, they can experience the thrill of racing against a formidable AI opponent. It’s a chance to test their skills and see if they can outperform this highly advanced algorithmic driver.
Gran Turismo Sophy 2.0 represents a significant milestone in the development of AI-powered opponents in racing games. It not only offers players a challenging and immersive racing experience but also opens up new possibilities in various fields where AI and robotics intersect. As AI technology continues to advance, we can expect more sophisticated and lifelike opponents in the gaming world, with the potential to revolutionize not just gaming but also other industries.
