Sony’s New ‘Playerbase’ Program Lets Fans Star Inside PlayStation Games Starting with Gran Turismo 7

Image via Sony

Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced a driven fresh program called The Playerbase, a global community program that allows fans to become a part of PlayStation games themselves.

The program begins with Gran Turismo 7, one of PlayStation's most recognizable racing games. For the first time, a selected player will appear within the game rather than just taking part in it.

Playerbase: Become an In-Game Character

The idea is simple but exciting: one lucky fan will have their real-world likeness scanned and turned into an in-game character. The winner will travel to Los Angeles for a professional 3D capture session at a visual arts studio. Sony will cover all travel and accommodation expenses, including those for guests.

Unlike stylized heroes or fantasy avatars, the company values authenticity. The chosen player will appear as themselves, not reimagined or altered, giving the experience its own unique personal touch.

How To Apply

Participation starts with a brief online application. Players must log in using their PlayStation account and answer a series of questions about their gaming experience. What is the most important part? A written response about how PlayStation has influenced their life.

Sony is clearly looking beyond ordinary interest. Whether it's fond memories of a first console, late-night gaming sessions, or emotional connections to unforgettable characters, the goal is to highlight genuine fans with compelling stories.

The Selection Process

After the submission deadline, a select group of finalists will be invited to participate in video interviews. These discussions will delve deeper into each applicant's enthusiasm for PlayStation and personal gaming experiences.

From there, one exceptional participant will be chosen for the full Playerbase experience.

What the Winner Gets.

The chosen player will:

• Visit Los Angeles for a full-day 3D scanning session.

• Be featured in Gran Turismo 7 as an in-game character portrait

• Collaborate on designing a custom logo and vehicle livery

• Get their creations permanently added to the game's Showcase section.

While the role does not make the player a drivable racer, their likeness will appear in the game for a limited time, showing a rare crossover between real-world fandom and virtual presence.

According to Sony, this is just the beginning. The company intends to expand The Playerbase into other PlayStation titles over time, potentially leading to appearances in major franchises such as God of War, Horizon, and Marvel's Spider-Man.

The initiative is part of a larger effort to strengthen ties with the gaming community, transforming players into active participants rather than passive audience members.

The Playerbase program will be available to fans in many different regions, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, South Africa, and Australia, making it a truly global opportunity. With increased competition in the gaming industry, Sony Interactive Entertainment is focusing on developing a stronger relationship with its players. By allowing fans to appear in games such as Gran Turismo 7, the Playerbase transforms gaming into a more personal and immersive experience rather than simply something you play.