Sony Launches 'The Playerbase' to Scan Fans into PlayStation Games

The new initiative will start with Gran Turismo 7, allowing devoted PlayStation fans to appear in-game.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:07pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a futuristic racing car engine with neon cyan and magenta lights illuminating the intricate mechanical components, conceptually representing the technological innovation and immersive experience of the Gran Turismo game franchise.Sony's new 'The Playerbase' program allows devoted PlayStation fans to become part of the game worlds they love, starting with a special in-game appearance in the upcoming Gran Turismo 7.Los Angeles Today

Sony has announced a new program called The Playerbase, which will give select PlayStation fans the opportunity to be scanned and included as in-game characters in upcoming PlayStation Studios titles, starting with Gran Turismo 7. The initiative is designed to celebrate the gaming community and bring devoted fans closer to the PlayStation experience.

Why it matters

The Playerbase represents Sony's latest effort to engage its passionate fan base and offer them a unique, personalized experience within the PlayStation ecosystem. As gaming continues to evolve, initiatives that allow players to directly participate in and become part of the game worlds they love can foster deeper connections and loyalty.

The details

The Playerbase will begin with Gran Turismo 7, where one selected fan will have a special limited-time appearance as an in-game character portrait. The chosen participant will also visit a visual arts studio in Los Angeles to be scanned and collaborate on creating a custom Fantasy Logo and vehicle livery that will be added to the game permanently. Sony plans to expand The Playerbase to include fans in additional PlayStation Studios titles in the near future.

  • The Playerbase program launches on April 7, 2026.

The players

Isabelle Tomatis

Vice president of global marketing at Sony Interactive Entertainment, who announced the new The Playerbase initiative.

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What they’re saying

“For over 30 years, we've continued to look for ways to celebrate our gaming community, which has a vital role in PlayStation's history and future. Today, we're excited to offer an opportunity to bring some of our devoted PlayStation fans even closer to the PlayStation experience.”

— Isabelle Tomatis, Vice president, global marketing, Sony Interactive Entertainment

What’s next

The Playerbase program is now open for applications on the official website, where fans can sign in with their PlayStation account ID and answer a series of questions to be considered for selection. A limited number of finalists will be chosen for video interviews, and one fan will be selected to be featured in Gran Turismo 7.

The takeaway

Sony's new The Playerbase initiative represents an innovative way for the company to engage its passionate gaming community, offering devoted fans a unique opportunity to become part of the game worlds they love. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, personalized experiences that foster deeper connections between players and their favorite franchises will likely become increasingly important.