The iconic racing simulation series, which has been around for almost two decades, is effectively history after radical personnel changes at Microsoft It's happening. According to former Turn 10 Studios employee Fred Russell, the company has completely disbanded the team responsible for developing the series, which began in 2005.
While Turn 10 itself will continue to operate, its employees will now focus solely on supporting the development of Forza Horizon, the more successful open-world spinoff of the series created by Playground Games. According to journalist Jason Schreier, the layoffs affected about half of the studio's staff.
The changes are part of a larger restructuring at Microsoft Gaming that led to the closure of The Initiative in July, layoffs at Raven Software and Sledgehammer Games, and the cancellation of several planned projects. The decision to focus solely on Forza Horizon marks the end of an era for one of the most respected racing simulations in the industry.
The End of the Forza Motorsport Series: Detailed Review
The end of Forza Motorsport represents a huge loss for the racing gaming community. For years, the realistic driving experience and detailed vehicle customization options offered by the series have distinguished it from its competitors. This sudden decision by Microsoft was greeted with surprise by many gamers and industry analysts. So, what could be the reasons behind this decision?
Restructuring and Strategic Changes
The restructuring at Microsoft Gaming can be considered as a reflection of the company's future strategies. Forza Horizon's growing popularity and commercial success may have led Microsoft to pursue an open-world racing experience that appeals to a wider audience. This strategic change means transferring resources to a more profitable project.
Impact of Layoffs
The layoffs at Turn 10 Studios are one of the biggest factors on the future of the Forza Motorsport series. Losing half the development team would make development of a new Forza Motorsport game significantly more difficult. Instead of taking this risk, Microsoft decided to develop and expand the existing Forza Horizon series.
Rise of Forza Horizon
Forza Horizon offers a more comfortable and entertaining gaming experience compared to Forza Motorsport. The open world map allows players to explore and compete freely, while various events and missions keep the game constantly alive. These features make Forza Horizon attractive to a wider range of players.
What Should We Expect in the Future?
Although the end of the Forza Motorsport series is sad news for racing game enthusiasts, the fact that Forza Horizon continues to be developed means that it can offer an even better racing experience in the future. Microsoft's investments in Forza Horizon can increase the graphic quality, gameplay mechanics and content diversity of the game.
Potential of Forza Horizon
Forza Horizon's open world structure allows new content to be constantly added. New vehicles, maps, events and missions can always keep players interested. In addition, the game's social features and multiplayer modes enable racing enthusiasts to come together and compete.
Artificial Intelligence and Technological Developments
Microsoft's investments in artificial intelligence and technological fields have great potential for the future of Forza Horizon. AI-powered racing rivals can further increase the difficulty level of the game. Realistic physics engines and graphics technologies can make the driving experience even more impressive. Cloud-based gaming technologies can enable players to play the game seamlessly across different devices.
Consequently, the end of the Forza Motorsport series marks a significant shift in Microsoft's racing game strategy. The rise of Forza Horizon paves the way for an open-world-focused racing experience that appeals to a wider audience in the future. Racing game enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the innovations that Forza Horizon will offer in the future.
