THE BUZZ: In a live developer chat session today, it was revealed that the upcoming ModNation Racers: Road Trip for Vita would feature no option for online multiplayer.

When asked about online (infrastructure) multiplayer:

“Hey Zyketor, we are supporting Ad-Hoc however not infrasructure as in Head to Head. With all of the other online features though, Ghost Laps, Regional Leaderboards with times beat notifcations, etc. We went with more of an Asynchronous online feature set that is really robust! We’ll share more about all of these online features as we get closer to launch! “

When asked if Road Trip would have the ModSpot lobby like the PS3 version, or if it would be lobby-less like the PSP version of ModNation Racers:

“We wanted to keep ModSpot unique for the PS3, but with Near, you’ll be able to interact with PS Vita owners around you and share your unlocked items via the PS Vita’s ‘gifting’ feature.”

EGM’s TAKE: Given that the PSP ModNation Racers had support for online multiplayer, it’s an absolute shame if the Vita version doesn’t support such an option as well. Given Sony’s heavy push for online connection with the Vita, it’s a very surprising decision.

If it’s a case of not being able to get online multiplayer integrated into the game in time for its launch, then maybe fans would be better served pushing the game back until such a mode can be fully developed and included.

Source: Official Sony Europe Community Forums