Evolution Studios Joins Codemasters, Fuses Together "Phenomenal Racing DNA"
Codemasters is a racing aficionado, it's safe to say, and now they're threatening to overdose on the pit-stop fumes as they announce Evolution Studios joins their family.
The World Rally Championship, MotorStorm and DriveClub developer had Sony Computer Entertainment World Studios as their parent company but officially left the corporate nest this year, and drag raced straight into Codemasters' chop-shop.
Sorry MotorStorm and DriveClub fans but those properties remain with Sony so they aren't taking them to their new home. There's going to be plenty of opportunity for Evolution road mechanics to lay down fresh tracks to decorate with spilt oil and bits of car.
"Over the last 30 years, Codemasters and Evolution Studios have created some of the most successful racing franchises in the industry, including GRID®, DiRT®, DRIVECLUB and MotorStorm. This expansion will not only see us gain a wealth of racing expertise and skill, but it’ll take Codemasters to the next level as the world’s largest racing-focused games company. With phenomenal racing DNA on both sides, we hope that gamers out there are excited to see what we do next – as are all of us here at Codies."
Former Evolution Studios man Mick Hocking will also be overseeing the entire studio portfolio of Codemasters, including his previous stomping grounds of Evolution, as the VP Product Development at Codemasters.
"The success of F1™ 2015 and DiRT Rally over the last 12 months has re-positioned the company for growth. The addition of the Evolution team to our studio group will allow us to scale our business and strengthen our leadership as the world’s premier racing game developer," said Codies CEO Frank Sagnier.
Sony had announced plans to close the Cheshire-based Evolution Studios but thankfully for the team itself and fans of their work, Codemasters has offered a lifeline to continue doing what they love. Evolution was founded back in 1999 and now looks to survive its teens.
Check out the full announcement on the official Codemasters blog.