Ridge Racer Driftopia Shutting Down August 15

Free-to-play racing game Ridge Racer Driftopia will shut down its servers and no longer be available starting August 15, publisher Bandai Namco has announced.

“The leading developer and publisher wanted to take this opportunity to thank all its players for their permanent support and dedication!” Bandai Namco said in a statement. “All the feedbacks will be taken into account for the upcoming projects.”

First announced in April 2013, Ridge Racer Driftopia was supposed to release on PC and PlayStation 3, and is currently still available to download via Steam Early Access. Developed by Bugbear Entertainment, which also developed, Ridge Racer Unbounded, it allows players to purchase additional vehicles, experience, and other items through in-game microtransactions.

"Free-to-play is playing an increasingly important role, so it's very exciting to be bringing one of our most successful franchises to the free-to-play space for everyone to enjoy," Namco Bandai senior vice president Olivier Comte said when the game was first announced.

Bugbear Entertainment is currently working on a demolition derby-themed racing game, Next Car Game, currently available through Steam Early Access as well.