DriveClub dev "had confidence" servers would work

UPDATE 16/10/14 10.45am: DriveClub developer Evolution Studios is today rolling out a new game patch and upgrading servers in an attempt to fix the racer's online mode.

Access to the game's multiplayer features has been limited since the game launched over a week ago.

"Over the next 24 hours we are rolling out a new game update alongside server upgrades that will help to improve server performance, clubs and multiplayer functionality," Evolution wrote on the game's official Facebook page.

"We are also running essential diagnostics periodically to help us continue to improve server performance, which may disrupt online play for you when you get connected. This will be kept to a minimum."

But there's still no word on when the problems will be completely fixed, or when the game's free PlayStation Plus Edition will finally launch.

"We're glad that more of you are getting to play online but we are sorry that many players are still having a hard time getting connected," Evolution concluded. "We are working around the clock to improve connectivity and will keep you informed as we continue to make progress."

ORIGINAL STORY 13/10/14 11.00am: Evolution Studios has said it was unable to foresee DriveClub's current server issues which have crippled the racer's online features since its launch last week.

DriveClub's servers currently cannot cope with the number of users attempting to connect their copy online. The problem started before the game even launched on disc in Europe, and has caused the free DriveClub: PlayStation Plus edition to be delayed until further notice.

Evolution has been forced to implement a one in one out policy - so you won't be able to log in unless another player disconnects.

Director Paul "Rushy" Rustchynsky has now defended DriveClub's troubled launch and said that pre-release tests had not shown up any issues.

"We ran a beta test and none of these issues occurred," Rustchynsky wrote on Twitter. "We had confidence everything was ready. These issues were unexpected.

"We did run large scale synthetic load tests with tens of thousands of concurrent users and the tests were successful."

Some DriveClub owners have questioned why the game was released at all - especially after its previous year delay - if its servers weren't ready.

Others have asked for compensation - something Evolution has said it is not against as a possibility.

"We're considering all of our options right now," Rustchynsky wrote in response to one fan who had been unable to connect.

The last server update, pushed live on Friday evening, increased the total number of players able to connect. But Evolution explained that further tests over the coming days would impact server availability for all.

Even if you can connect to the game's servers, various features remain offline. Challenges and social updates are unavailable, although clubs, leaderboards and online racing are enabled.

"We're still working flat-out to fix the online problems," Rustchynsky concluded last night. "Sorry for the wait."