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Driveclub features campaign shortcut microtransactions
Evolution Studios' upcoming PS4 racer Driveclub will offer players a selection of campaign shortcut microtransaction purchases at launch, director Paul Rustchynsky recently told IGN. Rustchynsky assures that vehicle microtransactions will be limited to cars that players can unlock during the course of the game's campaign. Microtransactions only serve as a shortcut to Driveclub's unlockable content, and Rustchynsky describes campaign progression as "really straightforward, really simple and [allowing] access to a lot of content really quickly." "In Driveclub you earn Fame, and as you earn Fame, you level up," Rustchynsky explained. "Every time you level up, we give you another car. There's no double gating or anything along those lines, you're given the car straight away without having to do anything else. The only thing we do have is a couple of shortcuts." Rustchynsky continued: "If you want to unlock a car immediately, you can pay to unlock that car straight away but it's not a consumable microtransaction. We don't let people buy Fame, for example and spend lots and lots. The idea is if you want to shortcut things you can do -- it's identical to what we did in Motorstorm RC. So if you played that, you know what we're doing here." Driveclub will launch on October 7 at retail and as a free PlayStation Plus download. [Image: Evolution Studios]
Here's what Driveclub has in store for PlayStation Plus members
Sony has outlined its release plans for the PlayStation Plus edition of Evolution Studios' sim-styled racer Driveclub, revealing that the upcoming free version will feature around one-fifth of the total content found in the full retail release. The PlayStation Plus version of Driveclub includes all game modes, 11 tracks, and 10 playable cars. Additional vehicles and tracks can be unlocked either individually via in-game purchases or all at once with a full upgrade option priced at $49.99. The retail and upgraded versions of Driveclub boast a total of five locations, 55 tracks, 50 cars, and 50 tour events. Driveclub will launch digitally and at retail on October 7. [Image: Sony]
Social network-styled menu system delayed Driveclub on PS4
A social network-styled dynamic menu system is to blame for Driveclub's months-long delay on the PlayStation 4, game director Paul Rustchynsky told Game Informer this week. "We need to make sure that all the connectivity that surrounds the game, whether it be joining clubs or sending challenges, or even interacting with the iOS and Android Driveclub apps – that had to be slick," Rustchynsky explained. "That had to be absolutely seamless, and that was the one area we needed to put extra time into. All the things that we were able to polish – the cars and the tracks, etc. that was just a fantastic byproduct." Rustchynsky continued: "What we originally had was something that was not necessarily as smooth, or the transitions or the way it connected you or other players weren't as intuitive as we intended them to be. So we had to go back and re-look at those areas, and kind of look at different ways and new techniques to get people to socially connect. And we've changed that with our new dynamic menu system [...], so we really feel like we've kind of solved all those problems now and created this racing game which is socially charged." Driveclub missed its planned debut at the PlayStation 4's launch last year. Developer Evolution Studios announced this week that the Driveclub will premiere in October, and a free version will be available for PlayStation Plus members. [Image: Sony]
Driveclub is still free for PlayStation Plus members
Evolution Studios reiterated release plans for its PlayStation 4 racer Driveclub, confirming that a free version will be available for PlayStation Plus subscribers upon the game's launch in October. Evolution Studios announced last year that PlayStation Plus members would receive a free, content-limited version of Driveclub at the PlayStation 4's launch. Driveclub's release was subsequently pushed past the console's debut, and met with further delays before solidifying its release date this week. "I'd also like to confirm that the PS Plus Edition of the game will be available on the same day as the full release," Driveclub game director Paul Rustchynsky said. "Offering a selection of cars and tracks from the complete version, we think it's the perfect way for those new to the genre to get an idea of what the full Driveclub experience is all about. Look out for more details on the PS Plus Edition very soon." [Image: Sony]
Driveclub hits PlayStation 4 on October 7
Sony nailed down a release date for Evolution Studios' long-in-development PlayStation 4 racing game Driveclub, revealing that the final product will hit retail on October 7 in North America and October 8 in Europe. Originally announced as a PlayStation 4 launch title, Driveclub met with a series of delays prior to its intended release date. Sony Worldwide Studios development head Scott Rohde explained last month that the delays were necessary to improve the game's quality after development was sent "back to the drawing board." "We planned for the game to be ready for early 2014 and are committed to delivering on our ambitious promise of creating a truly innovative, socially connected racing game," SCE Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida said. "The problem with being ambitious is you have to be prepared to accept there will be challenges along the way. What Driveclub offers has not been previously achieved in this category, and, because of this, the team needed more time to give you the game you're waiting for." Driveclub was initially announced as a PlayStation Plus release, though Sony has issued no updates regarding its planned availability to Plus members following its final release in October. [Video: Sony]
New studio emerges from MotorStorm, Driveclub creator
Evolution Studios founder Martin Kenwright, the creator of MotorStorm, announced his new studio this week, Starship. The studio's plan is to "use games to disrupt other marketplaces," Kenwright told IGN, and that Starship already began work on "several" next-gen games. The news follows layoffs that his the Driveclub developer this week, including the reported departure of game director Col Rodgers. "Historically we'd always make software for formats that didn't exist yet. What I'm trying to do is start up a new venture now, with a five or ten year roadmap," Kenwright said of Starship. "There's no point competing in the current marketplace; it's already established. It's important to set your stall out for the next generation of tech." Starship is said to be led by industry veterans from both Evolution Studios and Sony Liverpool, which Kenwright plans to leverage by "formulating memorable IPs with genuine use and need. The idea was to take some of the best gaming talent in the world and then move it slightly outside games." He wouldn't commit to any genre for the studio's future, though a racing game seems to be the obvious choice, given the former Evolution founder's history. Kenwright did add that the studio "had meetings in the automotive sector with companies and they say that some of the visions we have blow their minds. We're really out to change the game." Its first project is slated to be revealed at E3. [Image: Evolution Studios]
Report: Driveclub director Col Rodgers departs Evolution Studios
In addition to the layoffs at Driveclub developer Evolution Studios, which we reported earlier today, we now have word that game director Col Rodgers has also taken his leave. According to Videogamer, Rodgers' exodus is unrelated to the aforementioned layoffs. It's unclear why he has decided to leave Evolution Studios with the development of Driveclub reportedly in the final stages, though Videogamer notes that Rodgers founded indie studio Big Red Switch Games in February, where he claims to be working on "some cool game concepts." As to the status of Driveclub, that's now even more a mystery than it already was. Originally, the racing simulation was slated to launch alongside the PlayStation 4 last November. After that, publisher Sony pushed the intended release back to a nebulous "early 2014." Since that time there's been scant new information on the racer, though recently Scott Rohde, head of development at Sony Worldwide Studios America, stated Driveclub had been moved "back to the drawing board" to ensure it lives up to fan expectations. [Image: Sony]
Driveclub, Killzone Mercenary and Playroom devs hit by layoffs
Several Sony studios in the UK have been hit by layoffs. VideoGamer reports Evolution Studios, Guerrilla Cambridge (Killzone Mercenary) and SCE London Studio (Wonderbook, Playroom) were all affected in the "focused restructure." The one studio on that list with an announced project in development is Evolution and its oft-delayed Driveclub. In a follow-up, Sony said development of Driveclub would not be affected by the layoffs. Don't let your mind wander into the paradox of an already delayed game not being affected by layoffs.
You do not talk about Driveclub's release date (yet)
Once slated to debut alongside the PlayStation 4 in November of last year, next-gen racer Driveclub has adopted a low profile, like a Lamborghini Aventador in the witness protection program. Sony and developer Evolution Studios pushed the game back in October, saying they needed more time and work to perfect a shared vision of shiny cars. According to a new exchange between IGN and Scott Rohde, development head for Sony Worldwide Studios America, the detail-oriented racing game has shifted "back to the drawing board" in pursuit of quality. Driveclub isn't ready to be shipped – not without doing customers a "disservice," Rohde said. He did not confirm a new release date, in 2014 or otherwise. Joystiq has spoken to Mr. Rohde about PlayStation no-shows before, but Driveclub has a more prolific studio – and only one slip – behind it. Of course, if we see its metallic body coming over the hill, with a giant half-bird half-cat behind the wheel, we'll experience the end of two mysteries at once. That hasn't happened since we recorded two episodes of Murder, She Wrote onto a single VHS. Image: Sony
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Driveclub won't make PS4 launch in Japan
Driveclub is no longer part of the PS4 launch line-up in Japan, meaning it's been unpinned from a February 22 release date over there. It's perhaps not the most surprising news, given the racer's western window is still a vague "early 2014." According to Siliconera and GAME Watch, its new scheduling in the country is to be determined. It's not the first last-minute delay for Driveclub; the Evolution Studios sim was a PS4 launch title in the West before stalling a month ahead of the checkered flag. Back then, Sony Worldwide Studios chief Shuhei Yoshida said, "We understand that the delay is disappointing news, but can assure you that the reason we have made this decision is to ensure that when Driveclub launches, it will realize the next-gen racing vision." There's not been much word on the game since, and today's news doesn't shed light on things beyond making a western launch next month look unlikelier. Whenever it arrives, Driveclub is coming as a full, paid-for game and as a free download for PS Plus members, the latter "missing a few assets, such as cars and tracks" according to Evolution Studios.
Driveclub delayed to early 2014
Sony confirmed the rumored last-minute delay to PS4 launch game Driveclub, pushing back the Evolution Studios racer to "early 2014." Vaudevillian puzzle-platformer Contrast will take Driveclub's place as one of the two PS Plus games available at the PS4's launch, the other being Resogun. Sony Worldwide Studios chief Shuhei Yoshida assured fans a PS Plus version of Driveclub will still be available when the game is eventually released. Writing on the PS Blog, Yoshida said Driveclub requires more development time before it can deliver on Evolution Studios and Sony's vision: "We understand that the delay is disappointing news, but can assure you that the reason we have made this decision is to ensure that when Driveclub launches, it will realize the next-gen racing vision." Driveclub is the second PS4 launch game to be delayed this week, although Ubisoft's Watch Dogs is multiplatform in contrast. Yoshida moved to allay fears over the dwindling line-up, name-checking Killzone Shadow Fall, Knack, Assassin's Creed 4, FIFA 14, Call of Duty: Ghosts, and Battlefield 4 as some of the remaining PS4 launch games. "A broad portfolio of games will be available on PS4 before the end of the year," Yoshida added, "And with games such Infamous Second Son, The Order 1886, Destiny, Watch Dogs and now Driveclub coming next year, the strength of the software line-up on PS4 is unprecedented."
Rumor: PS4 launch title Driveclub delayed
Two reports are claiming that PS4 launch title Driveclub may be the latest title to receive a last-minute delay. Ominous silence from publisher Sony and developer Evolution Studios isn't allaying fears after this week's Watch Dogs delay. The rumblings began yesterday at UK-based site The Same Coin, which reported it received word from an "anonymous source" that Evolution Studios' racer was being pushed back to spring 2014. The Same Coin told Joystiq the anonymous source is a Sony employee, but we've not been able to verify this. The rumor was then followed up by Kotaku, who posted that "a person familiar with goings-on at Sony" told the site that The Same Coin's report is accurate. Kotaku also noted Driveclub was originally part of the line-up at a PS4 event in San Francisco yesterday, but was later removed because of a "scheduling conflict," according to a Sony representative. We're also unable to verify that Same Coin and Kotaku aren't talking to the same source. We've reached out to Sony for comment, but we've yet to hear back. Meanwhile, Evolution Design Director Paul Rustchynsky seemed to deflect multiple queries about the rumor on Twitter, instead saying, "Unfortunately guys I don't have any new information on Driveclub to share. I've been out if the office for a week looking after my newborn!" Driveclub is due to launch alongside the PS4 on November 15 in North America, and November 25 in Europe. There's a free, beta version of the game allegedly coming to PS Plus subscribers that's missing "a few assets" from the full version.
Driveclub gameplay trailer speeds through the night
This video for Driveclub takes an Audi R8 V10 Plus through the game's nighttime Salar de Surire track. Driveclub will launch with the PS4 on November 15.
Welcome to Driveclub, now watch these instructional videos
Four Driveclub videos for the price of one post! That's what we have today, thanks to Sony Computer Entertainment publishing a flurry of footage from the PS4 game. The quartet of vids are taken from a direct feed of the racer's Gamescom demo; you'll find one above, and the other three past the break. Paul Rustchynsky, design director at developer Evolution Studios, took to NeoGAF to spill a few more details on Driveclub's slightly stripped-down PlayStation Plus version. According to Rustchynsky, the Plus edition "will be available well into the new year," and lets players earn the platinum trophy despite missing some cars and tracks from the full game. Rustchynsky also reiterated that there'll be a discount to upgrade from the Plus version to the full digital game, but we'll still have to wait on prices for "a few more weeks yet." Driveclub revs onto the PlayStation 4 at launch, which is November 15 in North America.
Driveclub revs up pre-order bonuses
If the stripped-down, free PlayStation Plus version of Driveclub doesn't work for you, these pre-order bonuses for the game just might. By pre-ordering the game at varying retailers, players will be granted access to one of three different car packs for the game: the McLaren 12c pack for GameStop customers, Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Coupe Black Series Pack for Amazon customers and the RUF RT 12 R Pack for those buying the game elsewhere. Those placing a pre-order at any retailer or via the PlayStation Store will also receive a three-month PlayStation Plus subscription. We have trailers for all three car packs, two of which can be found after the break, which may help you decide where you'll be pre-ordering Driveclub. The game will launch with the PS4, which was given a November 15 release date yesterday.
Free PS Plus version of Driveclub will be 'missing' a few things
The free, beta version of Driveclub that PlayStation Plus members get when the PS4 launches will be exactly the same as the retail version – except different, Evolution Studios said during a Q&A session recorded by PlayStationer. "Yes, the PS Plus version will be the exact same as the full version, except that it may be missing a few assets, such as cars or tracks, that will be found in the full version," Evolution said. The PS Plus edition of Driveclub will include online multiplayer, the singleplayer campaign and asynchronous challenges, and Plus players will be able to purchase any missing content. After trying out the Plus version, players can "pay a sum of money" to convert it to the full retail version, Evolution said. We got our buttery-smooth driving gloves on Driveclub at E3, and found it more accessible than Gran Turismo 6, with a distinct arcade vibe.
Taking a test drive with Driveclub
When stepping into Sony's booth at E3, my eyes darted to one empty game kiosk. Sony reps invited me to play a popular racing game that I was certain would take me back to the days where I'd pass hours of time fine-tuning my vehicle to beat my best records by seconds. The game being offered was Gran Turismo 6 for PS3. Within seconds of starting the demo, I attempted to follow a blue line on the road and immediately hit a wall. I never totally gained confidence behind the wheel, and constantly went off-course. Even though I played games such as Test Drive 4 and Gran Turismo for dozens of hours on the PlayStation, my lack of time on the road in recent years left me in the dust. Afterwards, I picked up a DualShock 4 controller and played a brief track in Driveclub. Again, I spun out almost immediately, but quickly picked up the controls and stayed course, finishing the race with a not-so-terrible record. Accessibility was a driving point impressed upon me by Technical Art Director Alex Perkins, and I saw it firsthand. I rarely felt like I was over-steering on tight turns, despite the powerful car I was driving. With simple gas, brake and handbrake controls, the pick-up-and-play nature of Driveclub instilled more confidence in me than Gran Turismo 6 could in its first few moments.
PS4 media blowout: Driveclub, Knack, Infamous Second Son and more
Sony's lengthy E3 press conference was riddled with lots of game trailers - so many that we have to pile some of them into this little post for your viewing pleasure. While you take a quick break from your freak-out session over the PlayStation 4's $399 price tag, check out this trailer for Infamous: Second Son. Additionally, you'll find the likes of Driveclub, Killzone: Shadow Fall, Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag, Knack, Watch Dogs, Transistor and Batman: Arkham Origins after the break, each in trailer form. Grab some popcorn, you have plenty of footage to soak in.
Killzone: Shadow Fall confirmed as PS4 launch game
Killzone: Shadow Fall is one of the PS4's launch games, developer Guerrilla Games revealed. Posting on the PlayStation Blog, Guerrilla senior producer Steven Ter Heide spilled the beans on the first Killzone entry to release alongside a PlayStation console."Today we are happy we can finally show you what we have been working on," Heide said. "It has been an amazing journey for us so far, being offered the opportunity to be a launch title for the new PlayStation, and the subsequent mild panic to figure out how to best handle all of that. But being able to now share it with you is both a scary and proud moment. We are hoping you will like what we have created, and are happy to present you with the first glimpse of Killzone: Shadow Fall."Shadow Fall will be joined at the PS4's launch by Watch Dogs, and likely also by DriveClub from Motorstorm team Evolution Studios. The LinkedIn profile of the DriveClub senior environment artist Jeremy P Miller describes the game as a "PlayStation 4 launch title." We've reached out to Sony for comment.%Gallery-179475%
MotorStorm rolls out, over 6 million copies
The MotorStorm franchise, which includes five games across PS2, PS3, PSP and Vita, has sold more than 6 million units, Sony XDev Studio Europe's Pete Smith said at GDC Europe on August 13. Smith gave a talk discussing tips of pitching to publishers, citing MotorStorm's Evolution Studios as an example of a team with a clear focus and solid marketing technique.The latest MotorStorm installment, MotorStorm RC, launched on PS3 and Vita in March.
