Earlier today we posted about Sony Computer Entertainment's decision to close Evolution Studios, the developer behind Motorstorm and Driveclub.
On the surface, the story bears a lot of similarities to Microsoft's decision to shut down Lionhead, another historic UK developer. However, once you look closer there are some significant differences.
For starters, even Lionhead's top level executives were apparently informed at the last minute. On the other hand, Evolution employees might have been aware for quite a while if we consider a couple of clues.
The first one is that the latest DLC pack for Driveclub is aptly titled Finish Line. The second one is that employees have a very different attitude while commenting the news on social media, focusing more on the good memories they had as a team and maintaining a positive outlook for the future.
@Yalstromo @yosp Don't be mad, stay positive for the future, the opportunities are endless 🙂
— Paul Rustchynsky (@Rushy33) March 22, 2016
More importantly for fans of their racing games, there seems to be a good chance that they'll create a new team together. That's what Senior Community Manager Jamie Brayshaw said, adding first that there are "great options" for Evolution developers and then, in another tweet, that they want do something "awesome" if they stay together.
@iDeJay_ We're hoping to stay together and there are some great options for us. Here's the original news: https://t.co/Z8DFSHlZCR
— Jamie Brayshaw (@PhenomEvolution) March 22, 2016
@HarryBarnes We're hoping to stay together and do something awesome. We're figuring it all out atm.
— Jamie Brayshaw (@PhenomEvolution) March 22, 2016
@Skip2baloo @Rushy33 @DRIVECLUB Thanks for joining us for such an awesome ride. We're hoping to stay together & bring even more your way 🙂
— Jamie Brayshaw (@PhenomEvolution) March 22, 2016
Even if they don't, they'll have plenty of opportunities and Game Director Paul Rustchynsky reckons they'll all be fine in the end.
@ysalmi There are plenty of opportunities for such as talented team 😉 We'll all be just fine!
— Paul Rustchynsky (@Rushy33) March 22, 2016
Of course, should they create a new studio it seems likely that their games will be targeting multiple platforms now. Luckily, between Kickstarter, Steam Early Access and all the great engines available for free nowadays, there's never been a better time to create an indie studio to develop games. Good luck, Evolution!
