Sony has made the decision to close Driveclub developer Evolution Studios after cutting 55 people from the studio just over one year ago. GamesIndustry.biz reported “Sony has made the tough decision to make the rest of the Evolution staff redundant.”
Evolution Studios has created some key franchises for Sony in the past with the likes of MotorStorm and World Rally Championship, so it is indeed sad that yet another talented studio within the gaming industry is closing. In a statement from Sony they mention that they will try to help staff with transitioning to their next endeavor, while also acknowledging the loss of some talented individuals.
Here is the official statement from Sony on the matter at hand:
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.
