Sony has formally announced plans to shutter DriveClub developer Evolution Studios.
Word comes by way of GamesIndustry.biz, who relayed the official statement from the platform holder confirming the closure. In light of DriveClub‘s numerous delays and crippling online problems, there were early signs that Sony would roll out changes for the British developer after laying off 55 employees exactly a year ago.
Downsizing Evolution, coupled with the overly successful release of DriveClub Bikes, suggested that the worst was behind the studio. Sadly, that’s simply not the case.
Here’s the official statement from 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.
As the creative minds behind World Rally Championship and MotorStorm, our best goes out to those affected by the closure of Evolution.
