More Forza Motorsport Games Seem Unlikely as Team Shuts Down

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This past week has been a challenging time for Xbox enthusiasts, as numerous studios have undergone significant reductions, leading to canceled games among other things. Unfortunately, it appears that fans of the racing simulator franchise Forza Motorsport may not see any new installments in the near future. Historically, Xbox has relied on a few core franchises like Halo, Gears of War, and Forza, which have been consistently released (although the pace of Halo and Gears of War has slowed recently). These games have served as demonstrations of the console’s capabilities. Forza has even expanded with the more casual and enjoyable Forza Horizon series, which is now available on PS5 as well.

Despite the widespread appeal of racing games like Horizon, some enthusiasts have continued to appreciate the intense, simulation-focused experience provided by Forza Motorsport. Sony’s Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsport cater to a similar audience on their respective platforms, offering an immersive, realistic racing experience. While Horizon has gained popularity for its accessibility, Forza Motorsport has maintained a dedicated fanbase. However, the future of Forza Motorsport is uncertain following significant layoffs at Turn 10 Studios.

Forza Motorsport Team Reportedly Shut Down After Xbox Layoffs

Microsoft recently announced significant changes within their gaming division, including the termination of 9,000 employees, cancellation of several projects like Perfect Dark, and closure of developer The Initiative. Among those affected was Forza Motorsport developer Turn 10 Studios, which experienced a near-50% reduction in staff. According to former Turn 10 employee Fred Russell, the entire Forza Motorsport team has been disbanded, leaving remaining employees primarily responsible for supporting Forza Horizon, primarily developed by Playground Games. Although Russell no longer works at Turn 10, his connections within the studio make him a credible source, and it’s difficult to imagine the studio continuing to develop a game of that scale with only half its staff.

In 2023, the eighth installment of the Motorsport series, named “Forza Motorsport,” hit the shelves. This was a significant milestone for the franchise, marking its 20th anniversary in May. The occasion led to a major update for Forza Motorsport. However, it appears that this might be the final game in the series for some time, or perhaps even permanently. The follow-up, “Forza Horizon 6,” is slated for release next year and is expected to be available on PS5, thanks to the remarkable success of the fifth game on that console.

Although Horizon has had its moment of glory for quite some time now, it’s unfortunate that both series haven’t been able to flourish side by side. It’s hopeful that Forza Motorsport may soon release a new game, but patience is key. At the very least, it appears that Forza Horizon will keep catering to racing enthusiasts. Compared to the Horizon games, the focus lies more on open-world driving, less realistic and more arcade-style races, and enjoyable enhancements such as seasonal weather changes in the game. It remains to be seen what fresh ideas the next Forza Horizon installment will introduce, but it’s certain that it will continue moving the franchise forward positively.

Would you like to see more Forza Motorsport games? Let me know in the comments.

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2025-07-04 06:39