Sony has announced that it expects the recently released Gran Turismo 5 to be a lead driver in PlayStation hardware sales in the lead up to Christmas.

According to David Wilson, Head of PR at Sony UK, Gran Turismo 5 “will serve as a true driver of new console purchases” following “one of the strongest years in recent memory”.

Speaking with the gaming folks at MCV, Wilson declared: "2010 has been one of the strongest years in recent memory for quality game releases, and we have culminated the year with the launch of Gran Turismo 5.”

He added: “We know it has been a long wait, but we genuinely believe that fans of Gran Turismo will not be disappointed. We are confident that Gran Turismo 5 will do great business between launch and Christmas.”

Despite having knocked Call of Duty: Black Ops from the top of the UK gaming charts, Gran Turismo 5 has not had the smoothest of releases since hitting stores last Wednesday. Following reports of a delay hit single player mode, owners of the pricey Signature Edition of the game where dismayed to find the exclusive content redeem codes were invalid.

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Via: CVG