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

Program begins with winner's avatar appearing in 'Gran Turismo 7'

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:25am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly detailed 3D illustration of a futuristic racing car cockpit, with glowing neon-colored digital displays, holographic interfaces, and pulsing energy conduits, creating a sense of high-tech, cyberpunk aesthetics.Sony's new 'The Playerbase' program aims to bring players directly into the worlds of PlayStation's biggest games, starting with a lucky fan's avatar appearing in 'Gran Turismo 7'.Los Angeles Today

Sony has announced a new initiative called 'The Playerbase' that will allow select PlayStation fans to have their likeness scanned and appear as in-game avatars in the company's first-party titles. The program is launching with 'Gran Turismo 7' as the first game to feature a real player character, with the winner receiving a dedicated scanning session, custom logo, and vehicle livery design.

Why it matters

This program represents a novel way for PlayStation to engage its most passionate fans, offering them a unique opportunity to become part of the game worlds they love. It also highlights Sony's continued investment in building immersive experiences that blur the line between players and characters.

The details

To participate, players must sign up with a PlayStation account, answer questions about their PlayStation experience, and undergo a video interview process. Only one fan will be selected as the maiden scan for 'Gran Turismo 7,' where their face will be rendered as a character portrait. The winner will also work with a designer to create a personal Fantasy Logo and vehicle livery that will be featured in the game's Showcase menu. Sony will handle travel and lodging for the winner and one guest.

  • The Playerbase program is now welcoming registrants.
  • Sony anticipates announcing the 'Gran Turismo 7' winner sometime during summer 2026.
  • The program is built to grow, with plans to bring in more PlayStation titles in the future.

The players

The Playerbase

A new initiative from Sony that allows select PlayStation fans to have their likeness scanned and appear as in-game avatars.

Gran Turismo 7

The first PlayStation game to feature a real player character as part of The Playerbase program.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Sony will handle the selection process for the 'Gran Turismo 7' winner, with plans to announce the winner sometime during summer 2026. The company has also indicated that The Playerbase program is built to grow, with plans to bring in more PlayStation titles in the future.

The takeaway

The Playerbase program represents an innovative way for Sony to engage its most passionate PlayStation fans, offering them a unique opportunity to become part of the game worlds they love. This initiative highlights the company's continued focus on building immersive experiences that blur the line between players and characters.