It’s a sad day today for Driveclub fans as Sony has closed down Evolution Studios, the English developer behind the PlayStation 4 exclusive.
We thought that Evolution had managed to see out the hard times after Driveclub abysmal launch – there was even talk of the studio producing a version of Driveclub for PlayStation VR – but that all looks pretty much dead after today’s announcement.
Obviously this is a sad day for gamers, but let us not forget the poor sods who are now out of a job. Here’s hoping those folks land on their feet.
Below is the full statement released by Sony.
Regular reviews take place throughout SCE Worldwide Studios, ensuring that the resources that we have in such a competitive landscape can create and produce high quality, innovative and commercially viable projects.
As part of this process we have reviewed and assessed all current projects and plans for the short and medium term and have decided to make some changes to the European studios structure.
As a result, it has been decided that Evolution Studio will close.
It is regrettable that this decision will lead to compulsory redundancies. We accept that this decision will mean that we risk losing high calibre staff but by focusing on other Studios that already have exciting new projects in development we believe we will be in a stronger position going forward and able to offer the best possible content of the highest quality for our consumers.
Where possible we will try to reallocate people onto other projects. If appropriate opportunities are not possible within the company, we will assist staff in any way we can, including speaking with local employers and with other development companies.
Evolution has been an important part of SCE Worldwide Studios for over 10 years – working on ground-breaking racing titles like WRC, Motorstorm and DRIVECLUB.
This decision should not take anything away from the great work that Evolution has produced.
R.I.P, Driveclub.