Evolution Studios Co-Founder Mick Hocking has shed more light on the recent acquisition of the former Sony-owned developer by Codemasters.
Speaking with GI.biz, Hocking revealed that the DriveClub creator parted amicably with the PlayStation console manufacturer. In addition, it also stressed that the PlayStation 4 will still be a key component in its strategy moving forward.
“Once we realised that the decision had been made to close the studio, that Sony didn’t want to go forward with Evolution, there was an amazing opportunity for me and Frank to come together and do a deal. I think Sony were really happy that we get to go forward. Obviously, we’re going to be making PS4 content, so they’re happy about getting more great content for the PlayStation going forward. It works for everyone, it’s a really good news story.
“We’ve always had a great relationship with Sony and it’s been a real privilege to be involved in the development of tech and new platforms with them. We worked on some great IP together and it’s been a very amicable parting of ways. We’ve still got a great relationship and PS4 is definitely going to be a key part of our strategy going forward, so we’ll be maintaining those relationships. So I think it’s all been handled really well, by both companies. It’s very positive. We’re very happy to be able to go forward and work on multiple platforms and work on new IP here. Sony will still be getting the output from our studio, certainly for our next game, which we hope will be really successful on PS4.”
Codemasters confirmed yesterday that it had snapped up Evolution Studios after Sony decided to close the studio. The company is currently working on its next title, rumored to be a new racing IP, and is now a multi-format developer.
Evolution Studios is best known for producing the PlayStation-exclusive franchises MotorStorm and DriveClub, the former launching alongside the PlayStation 3 back in November 2006. This was followed by two sequels, MotorStorm: Pacific Rim and MotorStorm Apocalypse, before the studio embarked on its DriveClub journey for PS4 in 2014.
Stay tuned to PSU for more details.