Update: Sony has confirmed that the Driveclub PS Plus Edition has been delayed due to “server issues”. Online services for Driveclub have remained unavailable since launch. Sony doesn’t plan to publish the free version for download until the server issues are sorted. There is no ETA.
Original Story: So today has been one heck of a ride, not just for myself but PlayStation gamers in general. After finishing my Driveclub review, I spent a few hours streaming the game so our Twitch followers could check out what it’s like to play the game when you’re level 30 or higher (more cars, Tour events available, etc.). Unfortunately, for the entirety of the day myself and others have been completely unable to connect to the online services. Given Driveclub‘s heavy reliance on social features such as Clubs and Faceoffs, it’s impacted the experience for thousands who invested in the game on day one.
While that’s been going on, the gamers who have been anxiously awaiting the free PS Plus Edition have had their patience tested. Originally touted as the biggest free PS4 game to look forward to, the PS Plus Edition of Driveclub was supposed to be available as part of today’s PS Store update. For some mysterious reason, it was completely left out of the “Free PS Plus Games” section of today’s PS Store Update article, and even nine hours later still hasn’t made its way onto the store.
Some theorize that it was published earlier, but the $49.99 fee wasn’t removed resulting in some customers being charged by mistake. Others have boldly stated that the negative reception and servers issues have made Sony re-evaluate the move to offer 10 cars and 11 tracks for free. While I find this hard to believe, I do think the severe server stress is the main cause of its absence.
Related: Driveclub’s Reception is Troubling News for Sony
To make matters worse, Driveclub, despite being marketed as the premier PS4 racing game for 2014, met mixed critical reception that has caused a bit of an uproar across the web. Scores have been all over the board, resulting in what many consider to be a rather shocking 72 Metascore.
The worst thing about all this is Sony has been absolutely non-communicative. No comment has been made since the issue began hitting social media and online message boards. It is now 9:00PM PST, and the server problems as well as the PS Plus Edition’s absence haven’t changed in the slightest.
On the plus side, the Hong Kong PlayStation Store currently has Driveclub‘s PS Plus Edition available, so it’s likely that once things are sorted out the game will be distributed for free as originally planned.
For now, I await word from Sony on what’s going on, and will share more information as soon as it becomes available.
