DriveClub updated, but server issues persist
DriveClub was patched over the weekend, but the social racer is still suffering from ongoing issues.
DriveClub update 1.03 rolled out yesterday, and the key point from its patch notes was "several game-side fixes to reduce server load".
"We are working hard to get everyone online as soon as possible," Evolution Studios wrote on Facebook.
"We have just released another server update that has increased the number of players racing which is good news, but in order to keep building on these numbers we will be running further updates in the coming days that will affect availability of some of the online game features."
Challenges and social updates will be offline, but clubs, leaderboards, online multiplayer races, the single-player mode, custom solo events and car customisation are still available.
"We appreciate this isn't ideal but this is really the best way for us to improve server performance and online play for everybody, and we will be switching on these features as further progress is made," the developer added.
"Thanks for bearing with us and sending us your supportive comments. Believe us, we know how frustrating this is for you and we are working non-stop to find the best solution to get you all connected and racing together online."
You can check the full patch notes at the foot of this article, but as Evolution's statement suggests, it looks like the update didn't rectify the problems, which have resulted in some DriveClub features being disabled temporarily and even a delay to the PS Plus version.
On Twitter, Driveclub game director Paul Rustchynsky has been admirably communicative, responding rapidly and openly to distressed would-be players. From a few of his replies, it sounds like Evolution has its nose to the grindstone, and has prioritised finding a solution to the server issues. Other updates like the promised Photo Mode have been put on the backburner, with no ETA as yet.
According to Rustchynsky, it's a software problem - not a lack of infrastructure.
Here's hoping DriveClub gets off the ground sooner rather than later; Evolution's been working on it for a long time, and with no Gran Turismo on the horizon, the PS4 is without a flagship racer.
- DriveClub update 1.03 patch notes
- Implements several game-side fixes to reduce server load.
- Fixes and Issue that may cause Clubs to become corrupted.
- Fixes out of memory crashes due to multiple large avatars in the friends’ list.
- Fixes occasional game-side crashes when uploading large amounts of progress data.