Looks like we just lost another developer; this time around its Evolution Studios. The developer behind some of my favorite racing games such as the Motorstorm series on the PlayStation 3 and more recently the DriveClub title for the PlayStation 4. Seems that Sony wasn’t too thrilled with status of the company. According to Gamesindustry.Biz, the studio has been slated to close down.
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.
Now while we can speculate that this all stemmed from the initial poor reception of DriveClub for the PlayStation 4, once Evolution Studios got behind of all the issues and complaints, DriveClub has turned into perhaps the best racing title on the PlayStation 4. With tons of free DLC, racing modes and more recently the launch of DriveClub Bikes it seemed that Evolution Studios was in the clear.
No word on what is going to happen with the remainder of the planned DLC that was going to be released for DriveClub. Well I for one aren’t thrilled about this and I hope the team manages to land on their feet. Perhaps they should try to see if Microsoft or Turn 10 is looking for racing game talent.
Source: Gameindustry.Biz
