Microsoft's Decision to End Forza Motorsport Support
Microsoft has officially announced the end of active support for Forza Motorsport. This decision means that the game will no longer receive updates, new content or patches. However, the server infrastructure will remain accessible to players. This move makes sense considering the large-scale layoffs that took place at Turn 10 Studios this summer, affecting nearly half the team.
Forza Motorsport was released on PC and Xbox Series X|S in 2023 and was designed as a modern simulation-focused reboot of the series. However, the game failed to live up to expectations and received lukewarm reception from critics and players alike. This caused Microsoft to strategically direct its resources to a more successful series.
Focus on Forza Horizon 6 and New Project
The remaining team at Turn 10 Studios has been transferred to help complete Forza Horizon 6. The new game of the Arcade series is planned to be released in 2026, and all the resources of the studio are currently focused on this project. It was also announced that Forza Motorsport will not come to PlayStation 5, which shows that Microsoft is following a different strategy, although the series celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025.
The Forza Horizon series continues to strengthen its position as one of Microsoft's main gaming brands. The fifth game of the series was released on PlayStation 5 earlier this year and quickly became one of the best-selling games. Playground Games is currently developing the sixth game, and the new racing festival will take place in Japan. Forza Horizon 6 will be released for PC and Xbox Series X|S in 2026, with the PS5 version coming later.
The Failure of Forza Motorsport and the Rise of Forza Horizon
While the failure of Forza Motorsport raises questions about the future of the series, the popularity of Forza Horizon shapes Microsoft's gaming strategy. The PlayStation 5 version of Forza Horizon 5 was an important step in the cross-platform expansion of the series. This success allows Microsoft to increase its investment in Forza Horizon 6 and bring the game to a wider audience.
Forza Horizon 6 taking place in Japan will add a new atmosphere and game mechanics to the game. Playground Games’ experience and creativity will ensure that the game reaches high standards in terms of both graphics and gaming experience. This will help Microsoft maintain its leadership in the gaming industry.
The Future of the Forza Series and Players' Expectations
The end of support for Forza Motorsport has led to speculation about the future of the series. However, Microsoft's focus on Forza Horizon 6 indicates that the series will continue and grow even further. Players are excitedly waiting for Forza Horizon 6’s new features and Japan theme.
The release of Forza Horizon 6 in 2026 will offer players a new racing experience. The game's graphics, game mechanics and storytelling will be even more advanced than previous games in the series. This shows that the Forza series will continue to be popular in the future.
