2014 Racing Game Has Had Its Servers Shut Down Unexpectedly on PlayStation
PlayStation has shut down online services for Assetto Corsa on the PS4 without warning, leaving fans concerned about the future of the game on other platforms. Launched in 2014 on PC, Assetto Corsa made its way to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in 2016, and eventually also released on iOS several years later.
Made by Italian developer Kunos Simulazioni, Assetto Corsa is a racing simulation game with a focus on realism. While later entries in the series boast more refined physics systems, Assetto Corsa’s low-system requirements, accessible gameplay, and loyal community have ensured that it stays alive for much longer than the standard expiration date for games of a similar nature.
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Posts 1A delisted games watch thread on PSNProfiles uncovered the shutdown of the online services for the PS4 version of Assetto Corsa. User HuntingFever brought attention to the deactivation, “I've just been informed the Assetto Corsa (PS4) servers were closed/broke down somewhere between mid-May and early June of this year.” Several users on the thread confirmed HuntingFever’s findings, with affirmations like “the servers are apparently gone,” “servers are down,” and “preset lobbies disappeared.” One user commented that they had played the Korean version of Assetto Corsa on June 3, meaning that version of the game, at least, was still online earlier in the summer.
Assetto Corsa Has Shutdown on PS4
CloseFurther investigation revealed a notice on Assetto Corsa’s listing on the Japanese PlayStation Store saying, “The online service of this work has ended. Content that currently uses the network function is not available, so please be careful when purchasing.” At the time of writing, it appears only the Japanese version of the PS Store has this warning for potential buyers, even though online services seem to have ended for all regions. HuntingFever pointed out that this is not a first, and similar notices have also appeared on the JP Store ahead of everywhere else, likely due to the stringent consumer laws in Japan that force developers to disclose such information.
A server shutdown on the PlayStation 4 could mean that Assetto Corsa’s online services may be winding down for Xbox and PC as well. Although no official announcements have been made yet, players on other platforms are concerned that there may be no warning beforehand, as this incident has indicated. It’s worth noting that Assetto Corsa has an offline mode that remains playable on the PS4 despite the shutdown, a fact that should remain true for every platform. However, achievement hunters looking to 100% the game will be unable to do so without online services, as some of the trophies are tied to that feature.
Server shutdowns have unfortunately become common recently, but a sudden end to services with no warning is unusual. Typically, companies warn players months in advance about a shutdown, so that they have plenty of time to get their affairs in order.
