Evolution Studios, the studio behind DRIVECLUB Trophies, the https://www.truetrophies.com/Motorstorm/Series, and World Rally Championship, has unfortunately been closed by Sony. The news comes a year after the studio was forced to part with 55 employees, which was approximately half of it's employees. Driveclub has had a troubled journey with delays and server issues also affecting the infamous Playstation Plus edition of the game.
In a statement made to GamesIndustry.biz, Sony had this to say:
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.
Driveclub will continue to receive support from Sony and players should experience no interruption as a result of this closure, as was confirmed by Evolution Community Manager Jamie Brayshaw:
What are your thoughts on this closure? Do you have any fond memories or some of the titles made by the studio?