Layoffs at DriveClub developer Evolution
By Wesley Yin-Poole Published 19/03/2015
Driveclub developer Evolution has suffered a number of layoffs, Sony has confirmed to Eurogamer.
Sony has restructured Evolution to focus on updating its PlayStation 4-exclusive racing game as a service, as well as the launch of the long-delayed PS Plus Edition.
Runcorn-based Evolution is part of Sony's vast Worldwide Studios set up, which includes Killzone maker Guerrilla Games, Uncharted developer Naughty Dog and SingStar creator Sony London Studio.
DriveClub was originally set to launch alongside the PS4 in November 2013, but was delayed a year to 10th October 2014.
Server issues marred the game's launch and set back the release of the PS Plus Edition, but Eurogamer understands it sold well, particularly in Europe, and the studio is not closing down.
Here's Sony's statement:
Evolution Studios will now focus on DriveClub as a service going forward, in particular, the important launch of the PS Plus Edition. We will be restructuring Evolution Studios to ensure that SCE WWS and in particular, Evolution Studios are in the best position to achieve these goals.
Our first party development studios are key to our creative strategy and we are very excited about the future projects being worked on and the role Evolution Studios will play.
And specifically about the redundancies:
We will be looking to relocate team members throughout the studios, but unfortunately some redundancies will be necessary and in those cases we will assist staff in any way we can.
If you have been affected by layoffs at Evolution and would like to contact the author of this post in confidence, email wes@eurogamer.net.
Source: http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-03-19-layoffs-at-driveclub-developer-evolution
