Evolution Studios, developers of games such as World Rally Championship, MotorStorm, and most recently Driveclub, was shut down by Sony on Tuesday.
With the delays and online problems of Driveclub, along with losing 55 people just last year, the studio has struggled recently. It seems that Sony has now made the tough decision of shutting it down entirely.
The Sr. Community Manager for Evolution, Jamie Brayshaw, released this statement in a picture through his flickr account:
“It’s the end of an incredible era for Evolution Studios.
DRIVECLUB will live on under the care of the awesome team at PlayStation and we hope it will continue to thrive in their safe hands and with continued support from all of you, the players, our community.
Community has always been at the heart of everything we’ve worked hard for at Evo. Your endless enthusiasm, support, honesty and energy was always our biggest motivator. You all helped Evo to become one of the greatest racing game studios in the world, and we can’t thank you enough for that. You will continue to inspire us while we all take a little break and work out what we’re going to do next…”
Paul Rustchynsky, game director for Driveclub, posted a statement on Twitter as well, thanking the fans, Sony, and all his co-workers.
“Before I sign off to take a break and spend some time with my family I just wanted to say a few words…
Firstly, a big, big thank you to all the fans who have supported us throughout Evo’s storied history; we couldn’t have achieved what we did without you!
Thank you to Sony who helped Evo rise to the top tier of racing game teams in the world, working as a first party team has been a fantastic experience.
Last but certainly not least: A massive thank you to the whole team at Evo, it truly has been an honour to work with such a talented, passionate and determined group of people.
I hope you will all join me today in celebrating Evolution by picking up a pad, throwing on your favourite Evo game, and giving us a victory lap.”
We have reached out to Sony for comments as well. We will update this story accordingly.
