Evolution: We Ran a DriveClub Beta "And None of These Issues Occurred"

Prior to DriveClub launching, developer Evolution Studios held a private – almost secret – beta for the game. With all the major issues plaguing DriveClub’s servers since release, Game Director Paul Rustchynsky was sent messages through Twitter about why the game was released without ensuring it played properly.

As Paul revealed, Evolution believed everything would run smoothly following the beta:

We ran a beta test and none of these issues occurred, we had confidence everything was ready. These issues were unexpected.

When someone pointed to the seemingly small scale of the beta, Paul clarified:

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

In order to help address the issues in DriveClub, all 120 people working at Evolution Studios are “working round the clock to fix things.”

More news regarding the status of DriveClub’s server problems should be coming later today via the studio’s Facebook page.

[Source: Paul Rustchynsky Twitter (1), (2), (3), (4) via Eurogamer]

DriveClub - Everything We Know so Far

DriveClub Cars List and Available Cars for the PlayStation Plus Version

Same with other racers, DriveClub will have a ton of cars at release, with more promised via DLC.
With DriveClub being available for "free" for PlayStation Plus members, then you might be curious as to what the non-paid version's car list will be.
PlayStation Plus Edition Car List
Hot-Hatches
Mini John Cooper Works GP
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Sports
Bentley Continental GT Speed
Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG
Performance
BMW M3 GTS
Maserati Gran Turismo MC Stradale
Super
Audi R8 V10 Plus
BAC Mono
Hyper
Pagani Zonda R
RUF CTR3 Clubsport
You can check out the full car list here.
DriveClub DLC Schedule to Have Free and Paid Content

Same as almost every game these days, DriveClub will have a load of DLC fans can look forward to post-launch.
You can read about some of the planned content right here.
DriveClub Install Size Revealed

DriveClub's download and install size is at 17GB. If you're going the PS+ route, however, you won't be able to pre-load the game.
Evolution Doesn't Want Players to use DriveClub's Micro-Transactions

Yes, DriveClub will have micro-transactions, which might turn some people off. But in an odd twist, Game Director Paul Rustchynsky doesn't want people to use it.
DriveClub Won't Take Up a Spot for October's PS+ Free Games

In a rather awesome move by Sony, it's been confirmed that DriveClub will not take up a slot for October's lineup of free PS+ games.
So, clear your hard drive a bit, since it's going to be a good October.
DriveClub Only Requires 3.5GB for You to Start Playing

Like most PS4 games, DriveClub won't require that you download the entire thing before being able to race.
Digital buyers will only have to download 3.5GB before they can play and have the rest of the data download in the background. Retail buyers will only have to wait 60-seconds before being able to play (that's the install time).
DriveClub PS+ Edition Won't Get New Cars, But Will Get New Features

No doubt about it, the PS+ edition of DriveClub won't be the same as the retail version. One of the big differences will be that at post-launch, the free version won't get new cars but new features are planned.
At least you'll be getting something new, right?
DriveClub Will Have Dynamic Weather

DriveClub will have dynamic weather effects and you can thank the delay for its inclusion. If you haven't seen it, go check out this footage to see what it looks like in-game.
Evolution to Do Its Best to Eliminate Rage-Quitting

One of the most annoying things when playing online against real people is some rage-quit when they lose. Evolution hopes to mitigate that with the help of the racer's Challenges.
Tracks Will Take Less Than 15 Seconds to Load

Don't expect any long loading times before racing! Read up on other facts like that here.
Complete Trophy List Revealed, PS+ Edition Has a Plat!

Linked here is the complete set of Trophies one can earn in DriveClub.
What's awesome about Trophies in the game is, the PS+ edition will have a Platinum! Oh, yes!
DriveClub Will be at 30fps

While DriveClub will only be at 30fps, Evolution says it will be "fluid and "responsive."
However, that will be locked in at 30fps and won't have frame rate drops.
Regardless of what you think of it, Evolution says it made the "right choice."
There Will be Female Racers!

In what should be the norm in racing games, Evolution has confirmed that female drivers will be in DriveClub!
Micro-Transactions Will Allow Players to Unlock Cars

Even with that glaring headline, Evolution Studios say micro-transactions can't be abused, and how it won't be possible to use it to get more "FAME," DriveClub's form of currency.
DriveClub Will Have Wheel Support
Evolution Studios has confirmed that DriveClub will have wheel support. For now, the compatible wheels for the game will be:
- Thrustmaster T80
- Thrustmaster T300RS
- Thurstmaster T500 (does not support PS4 Share functionality)
The studio states that they will add more wheel support provided it's compatible with the PS4.
DriveClub Infographic