Open-World Racing Game Resurrects Multiplayer

Despite being delisted in 2020, Forza Horizon 3's online services remain operational, much to the delight of its player base. A recent community manager intervention confirmed server restarts following reports of service disruptions, showcasing Playground Games' ongoing commitment to maintaining online functionality. This stands in contrast to the permanent shutdown of online services for Forza Horizon and Forza Horizon 2 after their delistings.

The Forza franchise, launched in 2005 with Forza Motorsport, has seen significant growth, particularly with the Forza Horizon series. The latest installment, Forza Horizon 5, released in 2021, achieved a remarkable feat, surpassing 40 million players. This success, however, didn't prevent controversy surrounding its exclusion from the Best Ongoing Game category at The Game Awards 2024.

A Reddit post expressing concern over the potential end of Forza Horizon 3's online services prompted a reassuring response from Playground Games' senior community manager. The manager confirmed server reboots, addressing player concerns about inaccessible features. While Forza Horizon 3 reached its "End of Life" status in 2020, with the game and DLC removed from the Microsoft Store, online play persists.

The delisting of Forza Horizon 4 in December 2024, despite its impressive 24 million player count since its 2018 release, highlighted the unpredictable nature of game lifecycle decisions. However, Playground Games' swift response to Forza Horizon 3's issues demonstrates a commitment to player experience and community engagement. The positive player response following the server reboot further underscores this dedication.

Forza Horizon 5's continued success, boasting over 40 million players, cements its position as one of Xbox's most successful titles. Anticipation for Forza Horizon 6 is high, with many players hoping for a Japan setting. While Playground Games is currently focused on other projects, including the highly anticipated Fable title, the future of the Forza Horizon series looks bright.