Sony is shutting down its UK-based video game developer Evolution Studios, according to a statement given to GamesIndustry.biz. Evolution, best known for its PlayStation 3 off-road racing video-game franchise “Motorstorm,” was most recently responsible for the troubled PlayStation 4 title “Driveclub.”
The news of the closure was confirmed by “Driveclub” director Paul Rustchynsky on Twitter.
I've had an incredible time working for #EvolutionStudios, here's short statement from me: pic.twitter.com/9eITjpbddy
— Paul Rustchynsky (@Rushy33) March 22, 2016
Planned to launch alongside the PlayStation 4 in 2013 and announced as a title that would be included with the platform’s PlayStation Plus subscription, “Driveclub” was delayed repeatedly to late 2014. A feature-limited version of
“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,” the statement read. “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.”
Evolution Studios was founded in 1999 and acquired by Sony in 2007. In addition to “Driveclub” and its four “Motorstorm” titles for the PlayStation 3, Evolution also produced five “World Rally Championship” racing games for the PlayStation 2. The partnership with Sony was a smooth fit, as the studio’s games had only been released on PlayStation consoles.
TheWrap has reached out to Sony for comment on the future of “Driveclub” post-Evolution.