Sony shuts down Driveclub developer Evolution Studios

Last month, the Driveclub developer, Evolution Studios, released the February update for the PlayStation 4 exclusive game, bringing six new tracks and set the game up for the No Limits and Suzuki DLC that released towards the end of February.

Sony has decided to shut down Evolution Studios. An interesting coincidence reveals that a year ago, in March of 2015, Sony hit Evolution Studios with layoffs.

The studio had faced its fair share of issues with the release of Driveclub and its free companion, Driveclub PS Plus Edition. The free version of Driveclub caused the studio quite a bit of heartache prior to its release on June 25th, 2015.

The PS Plus Edition had been due to release along the full retail version at release back in October 2014, but due to server issues it was never released.

Whether this was the motivation behind the studios closure or game sales, it is unknown. Sony has released a statement on the closure to GI.biz, which you can read below.

“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.”

While Evolution Studios closes its doors, the Scribblenauts developer, 5TH Cell has been hit with layoffs.