At CES 2023, Sony's 'Gran Turismo' flags new entertainment strategy

FILE PHOTO: Director Neill Blomkamp and Orlando Bloom are seen on the set of Columbia Pictures 'Gran Turismo' at an unspecified location in this undated handout image. Sony is teasing the film at the CES 2023 technology trade show this week. Gordon Timpen/Handout via REUTERS

(Reuters) - When Sony Corp Group teases “Gran Turismo,” its long-awaited adrenaline-fueled film adaptation of Sony PlayStation’s hit car-racing franchise at the CES 2023 technology trade show this week, it will really be showing off its new identity as a content-driven company.

The movie reflects the transformation of the maker of the Walkman and Bravia TVs from a primarily hardware-focused innovator to broad-based entertainment provider. It also represents a significant bridging of the divides between Sony Pictures Entertainment, Sony PlayStation and Sony Music, according to a dozen current and former senior executives interviewed by Reuters.