The racing game genre has ironically slowed down in recent years. Although the franchises like The need for speed and Gran Turismo they still get regular releases and are successful, they are slowly becoming more niche as time goes on. But the racing scene is still full of potential, and Sony is once again exciting Driveclub it could be the shot in the arm he needs.
Although it suffers from the same stagnation issues seen in other major racing franchises, Driveclub it has a few key elements that help it stand out. The game, which takes a more arcade-influenced approach with its mechanics a la The need for speedsees players competing in different locations around the globe, just like its competition. However, the online club aspect is what made it truly unique: players could form clubs with others, and the collective effort of each club member would influence progression, prestige, and ranking. This made the online part of the game compelling to many players, and its core gameplay was supported by a strong physics engine, addictive game modes, and industry-leading visuals that are still impressive today. Unfortunately, the game's servers were shut down in 2020, making it impossible to play online.
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Why PlayStation should bring back Driveclub
Driveclub could be a compelling need for speed competitor
Right now, as for many years, Gran Turismo is PlayStation's flagship racing franchise. There is a good reason for this: Gran Turismo constantly reaches and even surpasses a high quality bar, offering impressive technical performance and visuals, along with addictive online and offline game modes. But Gran Turismo it leans a little further towards the simulation end of the arcade simulation continuum that racing games are based on. It's certainly still accessible, but realism and depth are slightly favored over satisfying mechanics, controls, and physics.
By contrast, Driveclub it is positioned further to the arch end of the continuum. Although the post-release updates for Driveclub added more simulation-like features and options, the game's physics and controls prioritize entertainment and accessibility over realism. In this way, Driveclub can be likened to The need for speedor even Forza Horizonas it has some wiggle room for those looking for a driving simulation while putting simple and fun controls at the fore. With PlayStation apparently placing all its racing eggs in the Gran Turismo cart, maybe it would be smart to diversify by bringing back its arcade racer and offering something new.
What a modern Driveclub could look like
Sony shut down Driveclub developer Evolution Studios since 2016, so any potential revival of the IP would have to be without his involvement. This is obviously unfortunate because despite its launch issues, Driveclub proved Evolution Studios as a more than capable developer with the talent, experience and creativity to run a serious racing competitor.
But looking ahead, Sony certainly doesn't want mainstream studios that could take over Driveclub license. Perhaps the most obvious group to pull from would be Polyphony Digital, the developers Gran Turismo; Perhaps Sony could break up some of that team to work on a new one Driveclubleveraging that studio's substantial experience with racing games for a unique spin on the genre. Given Polyphony's years of experience in online racing games, it's not hard to see how its developers could make a comeback Driveclubits online multiplayer ecosystem.
Whichever studio picks up the IP in this hypothetical scenario, it's fair to say that Driveclub he deserves a second chance. It's always sad to see a game close prematurely, but DriveclubHis tragically short life is particularly disappointing given how promising it was. Sony should take another swing at it, strengthening its presence in the racing genre in the process.