After the recent news that Microsoft had shut down Lionhead Studios, it seems the UK games industry will take yet another hit as Sony have announced the closure of Evolution Studios, the creators of Motorstorm and DriveClub.
Sony has released a long statement on the closure of the studio, which you can read here:
“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.”
Meanwhile the director of DriveClub, who had worked at Evolution Studios for nearly 12 years, released a statement thanking Sony, their fans and the team at Evolution.
“Before I sign off to take a break and spend some time with my family I just wanted to say a few words,” he said in an image shared on Twitter. “Firstly, a big, big thank you to all the fans that have supported us throughout Evo’s storied history; we couldn’t have achieved what we did without you!
Thank you to Sony who helped Evo rise to the top tier of racing game teams in the world, working as a first party team has been a fantastic experience. Last but certainly not least: A massive thank you to the whole team at Evo, it truly has been an honour to work with such a talented, passionate and determined group of people.
I hope you will all join me today in celebrating Evolution by picking up a pad, throwing on your favourite Evo game, and giving us a victory lap.”
via Videogamer.com
