Sony has announced that the PlayStation Plus version of its ambitious racing title Driveclub will finally go live on 24 June 2015, a mere eight months after it was originally due to launch.
The full version of the game, developed by Cheshire-based Evolution Studios, arrived on PlayStation 4 last October, where it was meant to be joined by a trimmed down version targeted at members of Sony's subscription service. However, to ensure server stability given the game's extensive (and initially wobbly) online components, the full paid version was prioritised, and the free release was indefinitely postponed.
Shuhei Yoshida, president of Sony Worldwide Studios, acknowledged the delay, writing on the official blog: "We’ve spent a long time preparing for this launch after some difficult and unexpected set-backs. To make absolutely certain that all players have the smoothest and most stable experience possible we are going to be duly cautious about how we release the game this time around."
That caution once again comes down to the online component. While all players with a Plus account will be able to download and play the offline mode, online access will be staggered, as and when Sony is sure servers can meet demand. "We know that this might be frustrating after your extra wait already, but hope you can understand that we are taking extra precautions to protect your experience when you do get online," Yoshida adds.unlike other racing titles such as Gran Turismo, Driveclub heavily emphasises social engagement, with players forming teams to share in the glory. Every team member contributes to the success of the club as a whole, their on-track performance building fame and improving the group's standing and assets. Even when only one member is playing, their actions are logged for the collective.
It generates a staggering amount of data, and apparently the management of it all has exceeded Sony's expectations. As Yoshida says, "Driveclubconnectivity is demanding for a multiplayer game, with countless ever-growing social connections across clubs, challenges, multiplayer, and hundreds of thousands of dynamic leaderboards and activity feeds."
It's worth remembering that unlike the free titles offered monthly to PlayStation Plus subscribers, DriveClub won't be the full edition of the game bought at retail. It will have all the game modes and (eventually) connected features, but it only provides a handful of cars and tracks to choose from.
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