Sony Closes DriveClub Developer Evolution Studios

Evolution Studios, the developer of PS4 racing exclusive DriveClub has been shut down. It was responsible for franchises such as MotorStorm and World Rally Championship as well. The studio was acquired by Sony in 2008.

According to a statement Sony has given GamesIndustry.biz this is due to restructuring of its European studios.

"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," the statement reads.

Nonetheless, Sony is aware that the move could lead to the loss of some of its top-tier talent despite trying to place some of the Evolution staff in its other studios.

"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," it claims. "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."

Much like the closure of Fable Legends studio Lionhead by Microsoft, we wonder if Evolution knew this was coming. Reason being the studio was working on the PS VR version of DriveClub and game director Paul Rustchynsky has been retweeting fans' screenshots of the game mere hours ago.