PlayStation VR release date, specs rumors: 'Driveclub VR' confirmed as launch title by Sony

Despite being shut down by Sony due to a number of technical flops, Evolution Studios' "Driveclub" may be brought back to life as PlayStation VR's official launch title.

The news broke out following a recent post published on the official Japanese PlayStation Blog confirming "Driveclub VR" as the virtual headset's official launch title. Probably realizing that the announcement was made too early, the post has since been taken down but not before other media outfits picked up the story.

The Japanese gaming and entertainment giant hasn't offered any explanation on the matter at the time of this writing. However, former Evolution Studios employee Paul Rustchynsky — the game's director — also confirmed that "Driveclub's" original development team is currently working on its PlayStation VR version.

"The same development team who made 'Driveclub,' also made 'Driveclub VR.' Other Ocean did not contribute, nor did any other team, to its development," said Rustchynsky on NeoGAF online forum. He also tweeted about the new tracks featured in the VR game.

Evolution Studios was the developer behind "Driveclub," which was originally slated as PlayStation 4's launch title in 2013. However, a number of glitches and gameplay issues resulted to the postponement of its release a year later, according to Ubergizmo. The game's poor ratings among critics and players alike forced Sony to shut the studio down. Many of those working for Evolution were later hired by Codemasters — the creator of other racing video game series like "Dirt" and "F1."

If the leaked blog post proves accurate, "Driveclub VR" may be released in both hard and digital copies for about $49. Driveclub VR's official launch date is expected to coincide with PlayStation VR's market debut on Oct. 13.

Meanwhile, Sony is bracing for a massive PlayStation VR shortage ahead of its highly anticipated release this year. While the VR gaming platform is still in its infancy, the medium is triggering a wave of excitement among game buffs.

"We have growing confidence that we'll be supply constrained with this product, but we'll do our very best to meet demand," said Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Andrew House, as quoted by CNBC in June.

The console-based PlayStation VR will be priced at $399.