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Report: Layoffs Hit Driveclub Developer Evolution Studios
Update: Sony has responded to our request for comment. The publisher confirms that staffing changes are underway at Evolution.
“Evolution Studios will now focus on DRIVECLUB as a service going forward, in particular, the important launch of the PS Plus Edition," a representative told us via email. "We will be restructuring Evolution Studios to ensure that [Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios] 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.”
A request for further clarification about the number of staff affected was not immediately answered. We'll update again should further details about the severity of staffing changes become available.
Original Story:
Reports are surfacing that Driveclub developer Evolution Studios is being downsized by Sony. The news comes as the title gets on its feet after an exceedingly rough launch.
According to Eurogamer, Sony’s European arm has confirmed the layoffs and shift in focus for the studio. We’ve reached out to our contacts here in North America for more information.
Remaining Evolution employees will continue to support Driveclub as a service and work toward completing the long overdue PlayStation Plus edition. Some employees will be placed elsewhere at Sony.
We’ll update should we receive more information. For the latest on Driveclub, check out our impressions of the game following many months of repairs.
[Source: Eurogamer]
Our Take
Despite the success of the PlayStation 4, Sony is in difficult financial waters. Unfortunately, that means that studios are not insulated from cutbacks, especially following a launch as terrible and high profile as Driveclub’s.
While this isn’t unexpected, it’s never pleasant when we have to report on people out of work. Hopefully, Sony will be able to find placements for a significant number of those affected.
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