The Impending Demise of Gran Turismo Sport: A Cautionary Tale of Planned Obsolescence

The practice of designing games with online dependencies that will inevitably break when servers are shut down is a growing concern in the gaming industry. The upcoming demise of Gran Turismo Sport's online features serves as a prime example, as players will be left with a severely crippled game. This issue is not unique to Gran Turismo Sport, as other games like The Crew also require online connections to function fully, even in single-player modes. The trend of designing games to be dependent on online servers, which will eventually be shut down, raises questions about the long-term value and preservation of digital products. It also underscores the need for greater transparency and commitment from publishers regarding the lifespan of their games and the impact of server shutdowns on gameplay. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential for publishers to prioritize the interests of their customers and ensure that the games they create remain accessible and enjoyable for years to come.