Recent reports indicate that Turn 10 Studios, the developer behind the Forza Motorsport series, has been significantly impacted by layoffs at Microsoft, effectively leading to the closure of the Forza Motorsport team. Former employees have expressed their sadness over the situation, with indications that only a small number of staff remain to support the Forza Horizon series, which is primarily developed by Playground Games. This decision highlights the transition from the traditional sim racing format of Forza Motorsport to the more popular open-world style of Forza Horizon, indicating a potential shift in Microsoft’s gaming strategy.

nWhat does the future hold for the Forza Motorsport series?

With the alleged closure of the Forza Motorsport team, it seems that there may not be a future for the series in its traditional form. The remaining staff are said to be redirected towards supporting the more successful Forza Horizon, suggesting a complete pivot away from sim racing.

Forza Motorsport has been a cornerstone of Microsoft's gaming portfolio since its launch on the original Xbox in 2005. It was developed to compete directly with Sony's Gran Turismo series, and its legacy has influenced racing games for years. However, the increasing popularity of the open-world Forza Horizon spin-off, which debuted in 2012 and has seen numerous sequels, has overshadowed the more structured approach of Forza Motorsport, leading to the current predicament for its development team.