Evolution Studios’ ambitious social racer DriveClub was all set to park up alongside the PlayStation 4 last November, but it got pushed back at the very last minute. At the time, Sony Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida suggested that the Runcorn-based developer needed a little more time to realise its vision, concluding that it’ll be “worth the wait”. It’s now been a number of months since we last got an update on the title’s status, prompting many to ponder exactly what’s going on with the release. Well, one thread of discussion suggests that the game will take advantage of the platform holder’s heavily rumoured virtual reality headset.
As part of a report published earlier today, CVG pointed out that it’s heard from a developer “familiar with Sony’s plans” that the outfit is busy working with the peripheral in order to simulate a cockpit view in the impending next generation exclusive. The suggestion follows speculation that the manufacture is set to reveal the add-on at the Game Developers Conference next month. Assuming that the conjecture is correct, it seems likely that the abovementioned game will put in a return appearance alongside the hypothetical hardware itself. Of course, it’s always best to take this type of chit-chat with a hearty helping of salt.
Still, it makes sense for the Japanese giant to push its latest innovation alongside a big title, and the former MotorStorm creator’s latest endeavour looks like the perfect fit. Not only has the release's first-person viewpoint formed a fundamental part of the racer's marketing, but the studio also plays host to Mick Hocking’s research and development team, which previously spearheaded the firm’s 3D push a few years ago. In fact, back in 2011, the aforesaid executive actually admitted that his employer was experimenting with virtual reality, telling Develop that we’ll see some “very, very immersive experiences on head-mounted displays in gaming in the not too distant future”. Is that day finally upon us?
[source computerandvideogames.com]
Comments 18
I believe this. I also think the headset is responsible for another game's delay:
Yes please!!
Doesnt make sense to me that they delay a finished product for a peripheral that is almost guaranteed to be optional. The VR headset isnt going to be cheap, so a lot of people won't buy it for game - so if it's required nobody will play the game. Better to release a finished product and add on the VR later, like they did w/ LBP2 and Move.
Also, this was supposed to be a free launch title w/ PS+. Do you really think Sony would have risked people not buying the system and getting an X1 instead - there were some rumblings of this though I doubt the threats were too serious - if this game was finished and ready to launch?
Not saying it won't be a big VR game unveil - but I think Sony would have used it to broaden their launch line-up if it were ready.
I also don't think W_D was held back due to GTAV, I really think it wasn't done. If it was finished would they still be holding it back this long due to GTAV?
I do think DKCT was done and held back due to SM3DW - and nothing else releasing on the Wii U until MK8 in May - (well until it gets delayed until July) - so I'm not completely opposed to the idea of holding back finished games if it makes sense. I just don't think it makes sense in this case. Unless the VR is required, but I doubt that.
I do hate these tedious add-ons :-/ I just want to play the game now and in the normal way. I don't want VR + MOVE + 3D etc etc :-/ How many people will waste say over £100(a lot more i bet the headset would be) on pointless things like this. I like future stuff but i would rather have a 4K TV next thanks SONY
@Carl-G well it's optional. Don't buy it and you'll continue to enjoy games the traditional way, it's not like ps4 games are suddenly not going to work without the VR headset anymore, you can still get the full experience without the VR headset imo.
I see the VR headset as a great extra option for the die-hard fanatics and for people who complained that the new generation doesn't really distingiush itself from the previous one, the VR headset could change that. Some people are traditionalists and are afraid of change and want to preserve the traditional gaming experience, some people expect totally new things for a new generation.
Personally I don't think it's for me either but I'm very eager to try it out. The Witness or Routine could be a game-changer in VR.
@rjejr Maybe they still did have some work to do on the game so decided to polish it off and finish off the VR stuff? Also, the PS4 has broken sale records without DriveClub, so if it was a gamble, it worked.
I dunno, it's all rumour. I definitely think DriveClub will be one of the flagship VR games, though.
@rjejr From what we saw before the delay, DriveClub wasn't ready to hit shelves, so I doubt Evolution delayed it just so it could launch alongside the headset.
As for Watch Dogs, I doubt Ubisoft delayed that because of GTA V, it didn't look like it needed anymore work, but maybe it just wasn't at a level where Ubisoft would feel comfortable releasing it.
@get2sammyb - Sorry for the long rant, I had a really big coffee at lunch and I don't drink coffee.
Since we're both here - any rumours about the media molecule Move sculpting thing? Google doesn't have anything since Feb 20- 21 of last year. I don't see a natural tie-in for that in VR land though 3D might be cool.
Been playing Motorstorm RC recently and I do hope Driveclub has had more work, control wise, than that abortion. Not really a fan of serious driving games (prefer kart racers) but for some reason this one intrigues me so I wish they'd just release the sodding thing, headset/VR compatible or not.
@rjejr Nintendo have used the holding back games plan for years, look at the fuss about Operation Rainfall, all games that were clearly being held back for the monumental drought between Wii and Wii U which when released allowed the people who petitioned to feel like they'd made a difference when it couldn't have been further from the truth. Oh, what did you think of Sir Brian Blessed?
@rastamadeus - I think he's going to have to wait until I get back from my impromptu babysitting weekend in Philly. I'll need a good laugh after paying $35 per day to park at the $150 per night hotel w/ $10 per day in room internet access. It is free in the lobby though. I wonder i I can park in the lobby for free?Back to packing, just checking my email.
I certainly hope not. Although VR sounds fun, the % of people who would play that way would be tiny. I guess Sony needs a couple of games to showcase something.
I honestly can care less about the VR headset. We get to download DriveClub for free when it comes out, if the VR is an option for a better time gaming then I just might get it only to up my PS4 experience. But this could be like the 3D TV phase or how Sony created the PS Move to keep up with the physicality that the Wii created. I am hoping this VR thing is just a phase as well.
PSN: iSillyBoi Judas
I think the delay was to get 1080p 60FPS, and than the VR proto type went well.
If this is the case, I will gladly pay any price for their vr headset.
@rastamadeus i laughed thanks to i prefer kart games, Same here hate racing.
@shingi_70 are those specs confirmed? cause that's the only way I'd even consider it
If this is the reason the game was delayed the people at Sony can get bent.
Well they need something to show off the headset
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