Nov 01, 2016 05:44 AM EDT By Staff Writer, UniversityHerald Reporter

The continued development of "Gran Turismo Sport" has pushed back its release date according to sources, with several features being reworked. However, the game promises to bring a new experience to players of racing simulators when released.

The Gran Turismo website claims that the GT series has recorded a total of 76.74 million copies, broke records and won awards since their first release in 1997. They further claimed that they will take the title to the next level with the release of "Gran Turismo Sport" in 2017, to promote motorsports with its partnership with the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).

"Gran Turismo Sport" needed to up the ante with the advent of virtual-reality. The development team is currently perfecting the game's compatibility with PlayStation 4's VR system. The game also received new features to enhance online experience:

• "Sport Mode" is aimed to help the player improve skills. It introduces a point system that evaluates the player's demeanour and skill, based on performance. It also features two FIA-certified online championships that will recognize winners at the annual FIA awarding ceremony alongside real motorsport champions.
• "GT Sport Live" showcases official races of the top players to be viewed in TV-like format with live commentary.
• "The FIA Gran Turismo Digital License" is awarded to players that have mastered the campaign. It requires the player to complete virtual lessons and gain achievements in-game.

The development of "Gran Turismo Sport" and its features had delayed its release date to 2017. This gave the developers ample time to get the game running. TeamVVV reported that, Sony cancelled all pre-orders because of this. 

Meanwhile, the folks at Gran Turismo are looking for the next project vehicle to appear in their next installment at the 14th annual Gran Turismo Awards at the SEMA show next month.

See Now: Covert Team Inside Newsweek Revealed as Key Players in False Human Trafficking Lawsuit