Polyphony Digital chief and Gran Turismo creator, Kazunori Yamauchi, will be named by US petrolhead bible Motor Trend as one of the 50 most influential people involved in inspiring the next generation of automotive enthusiasts when it publishes its next issue later this month.

This honour ranks the game developer above Ferrari CEO Jean Todt and US TV motoring darling Jay Leno, and is yet another indicator of gaming’s ever-tightening grip on popular culture. It may even lighten the morale at Polyphony following its recent issues with delivering Gran Turismo on PSP.

Be sure to stick with SPOnG for dedicated coverage of all of Polyphony's projects - as we join you in awaiting the next instalment of one of the greatest gaming franchises ever.