Nissan PlayStation(R) GT Academy 2012 Gaming Qualification Goes Live

Monday, 15 October 2012: The Nissan PlayStation® GT Academy 2012 contest goes ‘LIVE’ today from 00:00 hrs GMT (03.00GST / 02.00SAST). The highly acclaimed virtual-to-reality racing competition is open to anyone  in the Middle East and South Africa with a PlayStation®3 console by simply downloading a free GT Academy qualification challenge themed around the hugely popular Gran Turismo® game. At stake is the ultimate racing prize – a chance to be part of an intensive driver development training programme that has turned previous winners into professional racing drivers with Nissan.

To enter, all competitors need is access to a PS3™ with internet connection, and to register on PlayStation®Network. The eight-step online qualification format, specially developed by legendary Gran Turismo® creator Kazunori Yamauchi, poses gamers and motorsport fans a variety of fun and exciting challenges that reflect the wide range of driving skills required to master the fine art of becoming a professional racing driver. Entrants have eight weeks to complete these adrenaline-fuelled driving contests, which include handling powerful Nissan rear-wheel-drive performance cars and mastering cornering techniques at high speeds, through to setting the fastest possible lap times in wet and challenging conditions.

Whether players are discovering the award-winning Gran Turismo for the first time, or are experienced PlayStation racers, the GT Academy qualification offers racing action for everyone. It’s not just about competing with the best GT5 racers, players can also challenge friends, colleagues and family for bragging rights by monitoring scores via ‘PSN Friends Lists’.