Sony confirmed to GamesIndustry.biz that they are closing down Evolution Studios. Evolution Studios brought hugely popular games to console since 2001 with the release of World Rally Championship with their latest title being the PS4 title Driveclub.
Those of you waiting on a new Driveclub or Motorstorm title may be disappointed, unless Sony brings in a new studio to work on these titles, then they may end up never seeing the light of day ever again.
Sony’s full statement can be found below:
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.
Paul Rustchynsky of Evolution Studios also posted a statement on his personal Twitter account:
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
It’s always sad to see a company go, and the work of Evolution Studios will be missed.
