Bandai Namco turning off Ridge Racer Driftopia servers in August

Bandai Namco is shutting down the beta servers for free-to-play racing game Ridge Racer Driftopia on Aug. 15, the publisher announced on its official website.

"Bandai Namco Games Europe S.A.S announced today that Ridge Racer Driftopia's open beta will be finished in 60 days," the statement reads. "The leading developer and publisher wanted to take this opportunity to thank all its players for their permanent support and dedication! All the feedbacks will be taken into account for the upcoming projects."

Ridge Racer Driftopia featured asynchronous multiplayer, 10 tracks, more than 20 cars, along with regular booster cards and repair kits. Players of the drifting-centric racer could spend money in the in-game store to expand their stable of cars and purchase booster cards packs that granted special in-game abilities.

Announced in April of last year for PlayStation 3 and Windows PC, Ridge Racer Driftopia entered beta for PlayStation 3 in August and Steam Early Access in September. Developed by Bugbear Entertainment, the studio behind 2012's PS3, PC and Xbox 360 title Ridge Racer Unbounded, it was the latest entry in Bandai Namco's Ridge Racer franchise.

We have reached out to Bandai Namco and Bugbear to confirm if the title is still expected to launch in full or if the servers will remain closed.