Sony revealed recently that Driveclub, the Evolution Studios-developed racing simulator, would be delisted from the PlayStation Store later this year. This included the base game, Driveclub VR, and Driveclub Bikes, but the company also confirmed that servers would also be shut down in March 2020. As per former director Paul Rustchynsky on Twitter, this is fairly standard for most racing games in the industry.
Rustchynsky, who directed Onrush at Codemasters before joining Slightly Mad Studios, revealed on Twitter, “To be clear the game, like most racing games, it is being delisted for licensing reasons. It’s standard practice across the industry for ~5yr deals, so buy it before it’s gone forever.”
It also may not be entirely easy to extend the licensing due to cost. “Deals will vary game to game and with different manufacturers. It is possible to get longer deals or extend them, but the cost of licensing cars shouldn’t be underestimated,” said Rustchynsky.
What about the closure of servers though, something which falls squarely on Sony’s shoulders? Rustchynsky said that servers are a “different matter” and that “The sale of the item is what gets restricted after the agreed terms expire. Servers will just be a business decision.”
While it is a shame, Sony could be seeing more success from Polyphony Digital’s Gran Turismo Sport and diminishing returns from Driveclub. Whatever the case may be, you have until August 31st, 2019 to pick up Driveclub from the PlayStation Store.