PlayStation is turning fan dreams into something remarkably real: one lucky gamer will get the chance to become an actual character in Gran Turismo 7. Sony has introduced a new community-focused initiative called The Playerbase, designed to bring devoted players directly into the worlds of iconic PlayStation games through professional face and likeness scanning.
The debut opportunity is centered on Gran Turismo 7, but the concept is meant to grow over time. Sony has hinted that additional PlayStation Studios could participate in the future, opening the door for more games to feature real fans in ways that match each title’s theme and universe.
In the official announcement, Isabelle Tomatis, Global Marketing VP at Sony Interactive Entertainment, explained that PlayStation has spent more than 30 years looking for ways to celebrate the community that helped shape the brand. With The Playerbase, Sony says it’s offering a new way to thank players by bringing them closer to the PlayStation experience—potentially by placing them inside it.
So how do you apply to become a Gran Turismo 7 character? Starting now, eligible gamers can submit an application if they are 18 or older, have a PlayStation Network account, and live in one of the supported regions: the Americas, Europe, Asia, South Africa, or Australia. Applicants will need to sign in using their PSN ID and answer several questions intended to highlight their connection to PlayStation. That includes describing what PlayStation means to them, sharing their happiest memories with favorite PlayStation games, and noting how many hours they’ve spent playing.
After applications are reviewed, Sony will select a shortlist of finalists and invite them to video call interviews. From there, one winner will be chosen for the full experience: a trip to a visual arts studio in Los Angeles for a complete 3D scanning session that captures their face and likeness for the game.
The winner’s presence in Gran Turismo 7 won’t be a blink-and-you-miss-it cameo, either. Sony says the selected fan will appear as a limited-time character portrait placed throughout the game. They’ll also collaborate with artists and designers to create a custom fantasy logo and a unique vehicle livery. Unlike the portrait, that personalized design will be permanently showcased in Gran Turismo 7’s Showcase menu.
PlayStation will cover all expenses for the winner and one guest, making it a true all-inclusive experience. The winner is expected to be selected and announced in summer 2026, with their in-game debut arriving later in a future update.
For Gran Turismo 7 fans and longtime PlayStation loyalists, The Playerbase is shaping up to be one of the most personal community rewards Sony has ever offered—turning years of passion, playtime, and memories into a place on the starting grid.
