So we all know that Sony is shutting down the Gran Turismo 5 servers on the 1st of April 2014? No it’s no April Fools they really did smash their skulls together and pick that date to remove people’s pleasure.
But did you know that all that DLC you paid real money for and downloaded could also be taking the one-way trip to the rubbish bin? Well, here’s how to keep it.
According to a post on the official European Gran Turismo blog
As previously mentioned in past announcements, the remaining online services for Gran Turismo 5, including Online Lobby, Seasonal Events, Museum, News, Community, Remote Race, Log in Bonus, Online Dealership and DLC purchase, will no longer be available after 03:00 EDT, 30 May, 2014.
The rest we expected but why are the DLC purchases going to disappear?
Well according to the blog post they won’t be gone if you follow certain instructions
“Racing Car Pack” and “Course Pack” (including those purchased as part of the “Complete Pack”)
After you have purchased those items, please complete the following steps before the online services are terminated.1. Select the Downloadable Content icon on the GT5 home screen and install the purchased items.
2. Access the PlayStation®Store from the XMB and enter the “Gran Turismo 5” section.Purchase the [Family Upgrade] for the items in question (free of charge).
By following the above 2 steps, you’ll be able to use the items even after the termination of the online services. If you delete the GT5 Game Data after the termination date of the online services , you’ll be able to download and install them again.
Okay so jump through some hoops and you are all good to go. But what about my other DLC you ask?
“Paint Pack” and “Racing Gear Pack” (including those purchased as part of the “Complete Pack”)
After you have purchased those items, select the Downloadable Content icon on the GT5 home screen and install the purchased items before the online services end.
You will be able to use the items even after the termination of the online services; however, you will NOT be able to install them again if you delete the GT5 Save Data after the online services end.
So if you download them before the servers are turned off then you are fine, that is unless you have an issue with your PS3 and need to reformat it or get a replacement. Then everything you had is gone and cannot be recovered. How’s that for a kick in the face?
Europe and the US need to start implementing policies around virtual goods. This sort of thing is becoming all too common and we as consumers deserve the right to keep what we’ve paid for.
Last Updated: February 25, 2014
SargonTheGreatPandaOfAkkad
February 25, 2014 at 11:05
Soooooo… not only do I not own my games, but I don’t own the extras I buy either? Where did I put that Cluedo board again….
DieJason
February 25, 2014 at 11:12
A Parker Brothers representative will be visiting your house shortly to retrieve the Colonel Mustard DLC that you received as part of a pre-order campaign. We apologise for any inconvenience.
RinceandLeSIGH
February 25, 2014 at 11:09
Wow man. This is utter crap and explains why so many people rage at DLC.
Anon A Mouse
February 25, 2014 at 11:12
That’s why I try to by the physical game with the DLC included. If not included I don’t even bother with the DLC.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
February 25, 2014 at 11:13
Yeah, the GOTY releases are the best, but only if the DLC is included on the disk, otherwise it’s a waste.
Kensei Seraph
February 25, 2014 at 11:17
I remember buying Borderlands 1 GotY edition from Kalahari.
I received NONE of the DLC and didn’t even get any codes for the DLC so I couldn’t download it.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
February 25, 2014 at 11:20
Now that’s a kick in the teeth… So it wasn’t on a separate disk?
Kensei Seraph
February 25, 2014 at 11:24
1 GotY branded case, 1 disk with the ordinary game, no map, no DLC codes, no manual, no GotY stuff other than the slip of paper on the box.
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
February 25, 2014 at 11:25
I hope you complained
Kensei Seraph
February 25, 2014 at 11:29
Wasn’t worth it.
Of course this was the Christmas when the guys who delivered it visited my house 5 times and “no one was home” despite the fact that I was home for 4 of these supposed visits.
Haven’t used Kalahari since.
Although in all fairness the Christmas before that they did take the extra time to deliver on Christmas day so they’re not all bad.
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
February 25, 2014 at 11:33
urm wasn’t worth it? I dunno dude. All that DLC and stuff you did technically pay for. Now if you want it you will have to pay again?
I woulda made a stink dude
Kensei Seraph
February 25, 2014 at 11:35
There are easier ways *cough*piracy*cough* to get it without having to spend an entire day on the phone going from place to place.
And since I did buy it and have proof it is a morally greyish white area.
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
February 25, 2014 at 11:36
I’m sure I read a case about this somewhere. Can’t remember who won though
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 25, 2014 at 11:31
Dude, same thing with me, except got from Takealot!
Kensei Seraph
February 25, 2014 at 11:33
I’d rather get it either digital through Steam, GoG, etc or from a brick-and-mortar store like AWX or BTGames.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
February 25, 2014 at 11:12
It also proves why buying online-only games is pure stupidity. To be held hostage by the promise of a server remaining functional over x number of years is silly. That’s why games like Titanfall, Garden Warfare etc, will never get my money. At least with GT5 you can still play the game offline, granted losing access to your DLC isn’t a new thing. Anyone remember the DLC issues with EA games released during 2008 to 2011?
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
February 25, 2014 at 11:20
Hence why I don’t buy games that revolve around anything that requires a server.
RinceandLeSIGH
February 25, 2014 at 11:33
Where is OVG? teheheh
oVg BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA... HA!
February 25, 2014 at 11:52
Do not mind the unfinished delivery, the server is from Spain.
SargonTheGreatPandaOfAkkad
February 25, 2014 at 11:22
Car Saleswoman: “So sir, are you interested in the vehicle?”
Potential Buyer: “Yes, I think I’ll take it.”
CS: “Would you be interested in some upgrades/extras? They could really make your new model stand out, sir.”
PB: “Electric windows would be great on this model. So would the new power steering mod. And if you could throw in the metallic black skin, I’d be very happy.”
CS: “Certainly sir. That’s $1499 extra. We’ll just remove the funds from your Volvo CARWallet.”
Five years later….
Volvo Representative: “I’m sorry sir. We have to revoke your right to own the electric windows, the power steering, and the metallic black skin on this model.”
PB gone Owner: “What? But why?”
VR: “Well you see, sir, we’re downsizing our factories and can no longer be held responsible for extra amenities on our old products.”
PB gone Owner: “But surely that is.. illegal?”
VR: “No sir, you see, you didn’t ever OWN the extras in the first place. Your money only bought you the right to use them until we saw fit to take them back. You see, you really just rented them in the first place.”
PB gone Owner: “Well I want my money back!”
VR: “I’m sorry sir. That just isn’t possible. You see, you did get value our of our extra package while you used them. Expecting us to keep honouring a deal five years later is just patently ridiculous. Just… let it go. It’s for the best. Power steering is so 2014 anyway. By the way… have you heard of our new model? If you pre order now, you’ll get the 19″ wheels and rim dlc free…”
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
February 25, 2014 at 11:25
Thank you for putting it so well. Have an upvote
Kensei Seraph
February 25, 2014 at 11:26
And another.
RinceandLeSIGH
February 25, 2014 at 11:32
Where is said upvote? 0-O Ah, good man 😉
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
February 25, 2014 at 11:34
It’s there. Refresh maybe? Discuss always shows “Guest vote” for me until I refresh
SargonTheGreatPandaOfAkkad
February 25, 2014 at 11:46
I thank you all for your upvotes and promise to continue to serve this community with ridiculously long posts of little to no import (with the use of excessive movie quote plagiarism where possible).
😉
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 25, 2014 at 11:32
My vote goes to you sir!
RinceandLeSIGH
February 25, 2014 at 11:32
And another.
Kensei Seraph
February 25, 2014 at 11:38
http://mrwgifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/I-Like-It-Another-Thor-Reaction-Gif.gif
oVg BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA... HA!
February 25, 2014 at 11:35
5 years later all Volvo’s are recalled for red gaskets of death.
Kensei Seraph
February 25, 2014 at 11:36
Nice.
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
February 25, 2014 at 11:38
Lol nice
SargonTheGreatPandaOfAkkad
February 25, 2014 at 11:44
Lol. +1
Hammersteyn
February 25, 2014 at 11:36
Utter bullshit. But hey, they lay the trap and we jump with both feet in it.
Rock789
February 25, 2014 at 11:42
Just like I always thought… Online DLC is the devil!!!
**insert serious face here**
VampyreSquirrel
February 25, 2014 at 12:02
I’ll just leave this here…
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z6VcEmt5VUM/UBvwrfG6TrI/AAAAAAAAAE4/_X1ox4axSXA/s320/thWaterboy_Mom.gif
FoxOneZA
February 25, 2014 at 11:59
GT5. The End.
Macethy
February 25, 2014 at 12:40
Games as a service people, games as a service.
Welcome to the future of gaming and enjoy your stay (if you purchase the enjoyment DLC pack that is).
Gustav Willem Diedericks
February 25, 2014 at 12:43
If you think this is bad, wait until online-only games’ servers get shut down
CAE9872
February 25, 2014 at 13:40
I am a big GT fan…but I agree its reprehensible (big word for a Tuesday!). To Sony and PD – beware! Your customers make you and can break you…
Charlb87
February 25, 2014 at 14:04
1 April? But it says May 30th. I don’t understand…
FlameWater
February 25, 2014 at 15:45
I’m not saying it isn’t obnixous for Polyphony to do this but if you wanted the DLC that bad you would have gotten it already
dirkradke
February 25, 2014 at 16:24
I have seen several comments about the DLC for GT 5. What people may NOT realize is the instructions listed here are only for GT 5 and may or may not work for any other DLC. Some of these policies are up to the developers and/or publishers of the games in question. You may not have to do anything at all say for Borderlands 2 DLC. Not that I know or care I don’t own a PS4 or XB1. At least there IS an option to retain the DLC once the GT 5 servers go dark.
Ujn Hunter
February 25, 2014 at 20:41
Welcome to Xbox Live 2010! This same thing happened to your original Xbox on April 5th 2010. This is why I can’t fathom people spending lots of money on DRM digital downloads… they’re just rentals.