That Was Fast: F2P Ridge Racer's Servers Closing In August
Guess no one caught their drift
Hey, remember that free-to-play - sorry, "free-to-drift" - Ridge Racer game, Ridge Racer: Driftopia? It went into Early Access beta late last year, and now it's finally about to not be in beta anymore. Normally, that'd mean it's crossing the finish line, champagne and confetti raining down as other car culture imagery looks on. Unfortunately, the future is not so certain for Driftopia, whose perfectly drift-shaped roads may never see another car again.
Eurogamer reports that, come August 15th, Driftopia's servers will be taken offline - maybe once and for all. Bandai Namco is not entirely clear at the moment. Here's the short statement they released:
BANDAI NAMCO Games Europe S.A.S announced today that RIDGE RACER DRIFTOPIA’s open beta will be finished in 60 days. The leading developer and publisher wanted to take this opportunity to thank all its players for their permanent support and dedication! All the feedbacks will be taken into account for the upcoming projects.
By August 15th, servers will be turned off and the game will no longer be in Early Access.
Which sounds initially like it's going to be good news, then pivots sharply to reveal the total end of the game.
Given that it launched right into relative obscurity, I never heard much about Driftopia. Did anyone play it? Was it any good? Is its loss any great shame, or will your heart drift again someday?