Gran Turismo will be used as part of a new esports competition running alongside the Tokyo Olympics.
Running from the 13th May to the 23rd June 2021, the new Olympic Virtual Series has the aim of “mobilising virtual sport, esports and gaming enthusiasts in order to reach new Olympic audiences.”
The official statement doesn’t specify GT Sport, rather ‘Gran Turismo’ in general, but with the event starting next month, we wouldn’t bet against it. The FIA is also involved as the federation backing the GT element.
Virtual motorsport won’t be the only attendee, with World Rowing, World Sailing, Union Cycliste Internationale and the World Baseball Softball Confederation will also be involved in some form, the latter using Konami’s eBaseball Powerful Pro Baseball 2020.
“The Olympic Virtual Series is a new, unique Olympic digital experience that aims to grow direct engagement with new audiences in the field of virtual sports. Its conception is in line with Olympic Agenda 2020+5 and the IOC’s Digital Strategy. It encourages sports participation and promotes the Olympic values, with a special focus on youth,” said IOC President, Thomas Bach.
No details on the format for Gran Turismo have been revealed at this date. Currently, the latest FIA esports series events are live within GT Sport, and yesterday we celebrated the new season with a history of esports within Gran Turismo. Looks like we can now add Olympic involvement to that list of achievements.
As soon as more details are revealed, we’ll let you know. For now, what do you think about the Olympic Virtual Series? Let us know in the comments below.
