Driveclub Delayed, Contrast now Free at PS4 Launch

PS4-exclusive Driveclub will not be available for the launch of the console in the Europe and US. A special version of the racing game was going to be free to PlayStation Plus subscribers as part of the Instant Game Collection available to PlayStation 4 buyers in the November launch. Instead, subscribers will be getting film noir adventure game Contrast. This is great for Compulsion Games, I’m sure but not going to do much for racing fans. Driveclub will still be part of the Instant Game Collection when it’s released in early 2014.

President of Worldwide Studios Shuhei Yoshida explained the situation:

“SCE Worldwide Studios and the team at Evolution Studios have made the difficult decision to delay the release of DRIVECLUB and DRIVECLUB PlayStation Plus Edition until early 2014.”

“We understand that the delay is disappointing news, but can assure you that the reason we have made this decision is to ensure that when DRIVECLUB launches, it will realize the next gen racing vision.”

“DRIVECLUB is a really ambitious racing title and the game is looking stunning. The extra time we’re giving the team means the visuals and overall experience are only going to get better. We can assure you that it will be worth the wait.”

You can read his full Driveclub statement on the PlayStation blog.

Following so closely on the heels of the Watch Dogs delay announcement earlier this week, this makes the PS4 even less attractive if you’re not already convinced you want to upgrade. Many of the games available at launch will already be out on current platforms, including Contrast, while racing fans will now choose between GT6 for the PS3 and Forza Motorsport 5 on the Xbox One.

Has the delay of Watch Dogs and now Driveclub made you rethink your decision?