GT4 Delayed In Japan, Launch Pushed Back Until 2005?

Following a slightly worrying update to Playstation’s Japanese website, it would seem that the release of the long-awaited Gran Turismo 4 may be slipping further into the distance. After Kazunori Yamauchi had recently stated that the game was on track for a November release in the US, it’s difficult to know what to make of this news. Sony Japan has altered the release date from “Fall” to “Winter”; but because it usually refers to “Winter 2004” for dates this side of January 1st, many believe that this indicates a 2005 launch for GT4 in Japan.

The Gran Turismo 4 website itself doesn’t make any suggestions as to further date changes, and a late December release date for Japan is still quite possible. It’s difficult to second-guess Sony in its treatment of this title, Polyphony is adamant that it won’t be rushed; yet the importance of GT4 as a principal feature of Sony’s Q4 strategy cannot be underestimated. As such, its release date could be affected by several variables, most importantly: the proposed schedules for the PSP or any potential PSTwo launch.

Until Sony makes an official announcement, we can but hope that GT4 is still on course. The ominous lack of response isn’t hugely reassuring though; and it could be worth preparing oneself for the possibility that the PAL version won’t arrive until next year. We’ll let you know.