Ubisoft confirms new Driver projects in development despite live-action series ending.
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Ubisoft Promises It’s “Actively Working” on Driver Projects
Do you remember Driver? The series, which first hit the scene in the late 1990s, has been a staple of the driving game genre, albeit with a somewhat sporadic release history. The most recent entry, “Driver: San Francisco,” came out in 2011, leaving fans waiting over a decade for any news on the franchise’s future. Despite this lengthy hiatus, Ubisoft insists that the series is still very much alive and that multiple projects related to Driver are currently in development.
The latest update on the Driver series comes from Stephen Totilo’s Game File newsletter. In it, Totilo revealed that Ubisoft had informed him about the status of the franchise. While the planned live-action Driver series is no longer moving forward, the company is actively working on several other projects. However, the specifics of these projects remain unknown, leaving much to the imagination.
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The History of the Driver Series
To understand the significance of this news, it’s important to look back at the history of the Driver series. The first game was released in 1999 and quickly became known for its groundbreaking open-world gameplay and cinematic car chases, drawing heavy inspiration from classic 1970s car chase movies. The success of the first game led to a sequel, “Driver 2,” in 2000, which expanded on the original with new features and improved graphics.
Following the success of the first two games, the series hit a rough patch with “Driver 3” (often stylized as “DRIV3R”) in 2004, which was met with mixed reviews due to technical issues and gameplay shortcomings. The franchise attempted to bounce back with “Driver: Parallel Lines” in 2006, offering a new storyline and improved mechanics, but it wasn’t until 2011’s “Driver: San Francisco” that the series regained critical acclaim. This game introduced an innovative “Shift” mechanic, allowing players to switch between cars on the fly, adding a fresh twist to the gameplay.
Despite the positive reception of “Driver: San Francisco,” the series went silent, and no new titles have been released since. Fans have been left wondering about the future of the franchise, making Ubisoft’s recent comments particularly intriguing.
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Ubisoft’s Partnership with Binge.com
In 2021, Ubisoft announced a partnership with Binge.com to produce a live-action Driver series. At the time, Binge.com was promoted as an emerging streaming service dedicated to bringing video game adaptations to life. The announcement was met with excitement, as it seemed like a promising way to bring the Driver franchise back into the spotlight.
However, the launch of Binge.com was delayed multiple times. It was originally slated to launch in 2022, but as of mid-2024, the streaming service has yet to materialize. The lack of updates and progress cast doubt on the future of the Driver series adaptation.
Ubisoft recently confirmed that the partnership with Binge for the live-action Driver series is no longer moving forward. An Ubisoft representative stated, “We are no longer moving forward with our partnership with Binge for a Driver series.” While this news might disappoint some fans, it is accompanied by a silver lining: Ubisoft is actively working on other exciting projects related to the Driver franchise.
What’s Next for Driver?
The exact nature of the new Driver projects remains a mystery. Ubisoft has a history of reviving classic franchises with modern twists, as seen with their recent remakes of “Prince of Persia” and “Splinter Cell.” However, no similar announcements have been made for Driver, leaving fans to speculate about what these new projects could entail.
Given the evolving gaming landscape, where racing games are not as dominant as they once were, a big-budget reboot of Driver might seem unlikely. However, the series’ unique blend of undercover police work, high-speed chases, and cinematic storytelling still holds potential for various types of adaptations.
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Possibilities for Driver Projects
- Remakes or Remasters:
One potential direction for the Driver series could be remakes or remasters of the original games. Updating the classic titles with modern graphics and improved gameplay mechanics could attract both nostalgic fans and new players. - New Installments:
While a full-scale new entry in the Driver series might be ambitious, it’s not entirely out of the question. A new game could build on the innovative mechanics introduced in “Driver: San Francisco,” potentially incorporating more advanced technology and open-world features. - Live-Action Adaptations:
Although the Binge.com project has been shelved, the concept of a live-action Driver adaptation still holds promise. The franchise’s storyline, which revolves around undercover missions and car chases, would lend itself well to a TV series or movie. The success of recent video game adaptations suggests that there is a viable market for such projects. - Crossovers and Collaborations:
Ubisoft could explore crossovers with other popular franchises. For instance, integrating Driver elements into games like “The Crew” or “XDefiant” could breathe new life into the series while introducing it to new audiences. - Mobile and Online Experiences:
Another potential avenue could be mobile games or online multiplayer experiences. These platforms could provide a more accessible and casual way for players to engage with the Driver universe.
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The Changing Landscape of Video Game Adaptations
The landscape of video game adaptations has changed dramatically in recent years. What might have seemed unlikely or risky a decade ago is now more feasible, thanks to the success of various game-to-screen projects. The increasing quality and popularity of video game adaptations in both film and television indicate a growing acceptance and demand for these types of content.
Driver, with its cinematic roots and compelling narrative, is well-suited for such adaptations. The series’ focus on intense car chases and undercover missions provides plenty of material for a thrilling and engaging show or movie.
FAQs
Q: What happened to the live-action Driver series that was announced in 2021?
A: The live-action Driver series announced in 2021 as a partnership with Binge.com is no longer moving forward. Ubisoft has confirmed that they have ended their partnership with Binge for this project.
Q: Are there any new Driver games in development?
A: While specific details are not yet available, Ubisoft has confirmed that they are actively working on multiple projects related to the Driver franchise. However, it remains unclear if these projects include new games.
Q: What kind of projects could Ubisoft be working on for the Driver series?
A: The exact nature of the new projects is unknown, but possibilities include remakes or remasters of the original games, new installments, live-action adaptations, crossovers with other Ubisoft titles, and mobile or online experiences.
Q: Why hasn’t there been a new Driver game since 2011?
A: After the release of “Driver: San Francisco” in 2011, the series went on a long hiatus. Various factors, including changes in the gaming market and internal company decisions, may have contributed to the lack of new releases. Ubisoft’s recent statements suggest that the franchise is still valued and that new projects are in the works.
Q: What makes the Driver series unique?
A: The Driver series is known for its cinematic car chases, open-world gameplay, and narrative-driven missions. The games draw heavy inspiration from classic car chase movies, offering players an immersive experience as undercover drivers navigating dangerous missions.
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Q: Could we see a Driver movie or TV series in the future?
A: While the partnership with Binge.com for a live-action series has ended, the possibility of a Driver movie or TV series still exists. The series’ storyline and themes are well-suited for adaptation, and the success of recent video game adaptations makes this a viable option.
Conclusion
Despite a long hiatus, the Driver series is far from forgotten. Ubisoft’s recent confirmation that multiple projects are in development has reignited hope among fans. While the specifics of these projects remain under wraps, the potential for remakes, new games, live-action adaptations, and crossovers keeps the future of the franchise intriguing.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the Driver series may yet find new life in various forms, ensuring that its legacy of high-speed chases and undercover missions endures. Fans of the series can look forward to exciting developments and the possibility of experiencing Driver in fresh and innovative ways.