In something of an unexpected announcement today, PlayStation has revealed a new program it’s calling The Playerbase, where it’ll offer fans the opportunity to be scanned into and feature in actual PlayStation Studios games.
The program is kicking off with an opportunity to star in 2022’s Gran Turismo 7, where a lucky player will be selected to feature as one of its in-game character portraits. The winning player will also be able to design their own custom Fantasy Logo and a special vehicle livery to go along with their appearance – this will all involve being invited to a visual arts studio in Los Angeles to be scanned in-person and collaborate with artists on their game assets.
If you’re interested in the chance to be a part of this, the web address you need is playstation.com/the-playerbase, where you’ll sign in with your PlayStation Account ID, consent to sharing some information and then be asked some questions about your PlayStation experience. You’ll get asked for your name, email, age range and then to write a quick blurb about how PlayStation has “impacted your life,” but PlayStation will also use your sign-in information to determine what you’ve bought, played and subscribed to as part of its consideration. The competition is open to users in select markets in the Americas, Europe, Asia, South Africa, and Australia.
I’m sure there will be plenty of folks excited to get around something like this, but it’ll also have its fair share of cynics, especially those concerned about how commodified everyone’s identities have become and how much information PlayStation wants from entrants.
“Over time, we look forward to expanding The Playerbase as additional PlayStation Studios participate, having fans featured in ways that fit each game’s own style and world. Stay tuned for more updates,” the PlayStation Blog post states.
The Playerbase is our way of saying thank you to the players who make PlayStation what it is today. We can’t wait to meet the fans who will step into the world of PlayStation in a whole new way.”
PlayStation says it’s looking to expand The Playerbase to include other PlayStation Studios titles in the future. You can read more about this program right here.
Would you be interested in featuring inside a PlayStation Studios game? Which game would you go for? Let us know in the comments or on our social pages!