Forza studio update leaves fans heartbroken

Forza fans have been left heartbroken following a new report from a former Turn 10 developer.

The Forza series has been Xbox’s distinctive racing franchise ever since the cancellation of Project Gotham Racing.

Alternating between the grounded simulation of Forza Motorsport and the more arcade-like open world games of Forza Horizon, the series has been able to satisfy fans of both gameplay styles ever since the Xbox 360.

Forza Motorsport has been developed by Turn 10 Studios for all of its main entries, while Horizon is primarily made by Playground Games.

However, a new report by former Turn 10 Studios employee Fred Russell claims that Microsoft has cancelled future support for Forza Motorsport, with the series living on through the Horizon games.

According to a post written on Russell’s Facebook page, “Turn 10 Studios has shuttered the Forza Motorsport space and the team is no more.”

In a follow up comment, Russell also wrote that “Forza Horizon will continue at this point.”

It’s worth noting that an official announcement from Microsoft or Turn 10 Studios hasn’t been made yet, so take this with a pinch of salt.

The report has understandably upset a lot of Forza Motorsport fans, who were hoping the Motorsport games could still have a bright future even after Microsoft made large cuts to its various departments, including gaming.

And while the Forza Horizon series has seen immense success for Xbox in recent years, it doesn’t necessarily cater to all fans of sim racing.

“PGR now Forza Motorsport… Xbox in the 360 era really took control of racing games genre, it sad to see were Xbox is now,” wrote one fan on the Forza Reddit page. “I guess Horizon is doing so well there is no need for motorsport anymore?”

“It's obviously sad, but every single Motorsport game since 2013 had been at best mid,” wrote another fan. “At some point Microsoft is gonna pull the plug.”

One fan simply stated: “Shareholders ruin everything.”

If true, Microsoft and Turn 10 Studios should be expected to make a comment in the coming days or weeks.

Either way, we hope those impacted by the job losses can land on their feet pretty quickly.