Layoffs at Evolution, focus on DriveClub as a service and PS+ Edition

[Dr. Pezus]

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.

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.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-03-19-layoffs-at-driveclub-developer-evolution

[Legend]

Layoffs are common after big game releases. I'd take this news as a good thing though. Sounds like just layoffs, and not a full studio closure like some were worried about.

[Dr. Pezus]

Yup and it's nice that they are going to focus on making DC better!

[Mmm_fish_tacos]

Well it was expected, but i'm glad they are still there supporting their game.

[DerNebel]

Driveclub as a service kinda makes sense, so instead of releasing Driveclub 2 they'll just continue expanding the first game, seems like a pretty good thing to do for a racer. By the end of the gen Driveclub might be the biggest racer out there in terms of content.

[Dr. Pezus]

"Evolution Studios, the developer of PlayStation 4-exclusive racing game DriveClub, is set to lose 55 staff, sources familiar with the matter have told Eurogamer.

Two independent sources close to the studio mentioned the 55 figure to Eurogamer after the cuts were announced to staff at the Runcorn-based developer last Friday, 20th March.

That's roughly half of the studio, sources say, with the redundancies affecting permanent staff. One source indicated some of the 55 may be retained as contractors, but that's up in the air at this point."

[kitler53]

"Evolution Studios, the developer of PlayStation 4-exclusive racing game DriveClub, is set to lose 55 staff, sources familiar with the matter have told Eurogamer.

Two independent sources close to the studio mentioned the 55 figure to Eurogamer after the cuts were announced to staff at the Runcorn-based developer last Friday, 20th March.

That's roughly half of the studio, sources say, with the redundancies affecting permanent staff. One source indicated some of the 55 may be retained as contractors, but that's up in the air at this point."

evolution is dead now.  driveclub is their swan song.

[Raven]

Nah. If Sony wanted to kill Evolution they would have just closed the studio, contracted out the remainder of the development for additional content, and left another studio in charge of managing the online functions of the game until they closed it down. Leaving Evolution with around 50 people is well over what they need to continue working on the game. It's actually enough to maintain Driveclub, make additional content for it (most of which was already planned out), and have a small group to begin coming up with ideas and doing early work on a new game. Though I do definitely think this is Sony's warning shot to Evolution.

[kitler53]

Nah. If Sony wanted to kill Evolution they would have just closed the studio, contracted out the remainder of the development for additional content, and left another studio in charge of managing the online functions of the game until they closed it down. Leaving Evolution with around 50 people is well over what they need to continue working on the game. It's actually enough to maintain Driveclub, make additional content for it (most of which was already planned out), and have a small group to begin coming up with ideas and doing early work on a new game. Though I do definitely think this is Sony's warning shot to Evolution.

it's enough to follow through on their committment to the season pass owner and maybe get the ps+ version out the door.  not enough for new projects though.  evolution is dead.

[Raven]

it's enough to follow through on their committment to the season pass owner and maybe get the ps+ version out the door.  not enough for new projects though.  evolution is dead.

Media Molecule had about 50 people when they were working on a new IP for PS4, working on Tearaway for Vita, and assisting Sumo Digital with LittleBigPlanet 3 all at the same time. A studio of 50 people is plenty to continue work on extra content for Driveclub and get groundwork done on a new game.

[Xevross]

I had no clue they were based in Runcorn! My Dad's house is there... I must've been past their studio a few times and not even noticed.

Just looked on google maps, 7 minute drive from my dad's house. Well I'll be damned

Not great for them but if they keep working on Driveclub I'll be happy

[DerNebel]

Evolution is neither dead nor are they going to start a new project anytime soon. They will continue to support Driveclub for the next couple years, give it new cars, tracks, events, modes maybe as well. I'm interested how they'll go about monetization, maybe they'll have a new season pass every year.