By now, you’ve probably read the news that Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown is delayed to 2023. But this wasn’t the only big TDUSC news.
Originally, TDUSC was slated for release on all platforms including PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. This is no longer the case as the PS4 and Xbox One versions have been cancelled.
PS4 and Xbox One versions cancelled
In a blog post on Steam, Kylotonn Racing and Nacon announced that TDUSC is no longer in development on PS4 and Xbox One. This decision was made “with the aim of “making the most of the technology in the latest consoles and maximising the overall quality of the game.” This means TDUSC will be current-gen only.
We’re already starting to see other developers ditch last-gen consoles, as Need for Speed 2022 will also reportedly be current-gen only.
Skipping the last-gen consoles means the game will be accessible to a smaller audience. But TDUSC is an ambitious project with a 1:1 recreation of Hong Kong Island. Kylotonn’s vision would have been compromised on older hardware.
Now, the team can focus on maximising the game’s potential on modern hardware. Curiously, however, the Nintendo Switch version is still in development.
Delayed until 2023
TDUSC was supposed to release on 22 September. This seemed increasingly unlikely as we still haven’t seen any gameplay footage. The same announcement on Steam confirms that TDUSC is delayed until 2023, but no specific release date was announced.
The extra development time will enable the developer to make TDUSC “the most polished gaming experience in the franchise.”
It’s not all bad news, though. Kylotonn is planning a closed beta, inviting players to test the game “long before it releases.” There’s no date for the beta yet, but Kylotonn wants to get the community more directly involved with the development. Feedback gathered from the beta will enable the team to “keep improving the game's quality until it releases.”