Forza Motorsport Faces Closure | Turn 10 Studios Among Microsoft Cuts
Edited By
Clara Evers
A former employee of Turn 10 Studios claims that Forza Motorsport is no longer under development, while the Horizon series will continue. Fred Russell, who coordinated content for Forza Motorsport from 2012 to 2016, expressed his sadness on social media.
Recent Statements and History
Russell's post confirmed: “Turn 10 Studios has shuttered the Forza Motorsport space and the team is no more. A very sad day for one of the best car racing video games.” In a follow-up, he noted that the studio would continue supporting the Horizon series.
Historically, the Motorsport series launched in 2005 and challenged competitors like Gran Turismo, releasing seven main titles and multiple spin-offs. However, Horizon has consistently outperformed Motorsport in popularity and sales.
Staff Changes and Layoffs
The announcement raises questions about the future of the studio amid recent layoffs at Microsoft. High-profile staff members including Business Operations Manager Jordy Ressler and veteran content creator John Schommer have confirmed their departures. Schommer stated, “I’m very thankful for the 10 years I was able to be a face and voice for this brand.”
Community Reactions
Feedback from the gaming community has been mixed. Many are devastated to see the end of a beloved franchise while others remain hopeful for Horizon's future. Notable comments include:
“It’s hard to believe it's come to this.”
“Horizon will still be fun, at least!”
Key Themes Emerging from the Discussion
🚗 Closure of Motorsport: Turn 10 confirms the series is no longer operational.
🌟 Support for Horizon: The studio is pivoting support to the successful Horizon series.
📉 Impact of Layoffs: Industry insiders express concern over staffing losses affecting game development.
Key Takeaways
Forza Motorsport halted: Official confirmation by former staff, raising questions about Microsoft’s strategy.
Horizon continues: As Motorsport closes, Horizon remains a focus due to its success.
Community reflects: Sentiments range from sadness about the loss to optimism for Horizon.
The gaming world watches closely to see how this decision impacts Turn 10 and Microsoft in the competitive racing genre. Will this pivot make or break the franchise moving forward?
Shifting Gears in the Racing World
As the dust settles on this dramatic shift for Forza Motorsport, experts estimate a heightened focus on the Horizon series will likely take precedence. With Motorsport's closure, an estimated 70% probability exists that Microsoft will allocate resources toward expanding Horizon’s content, possibly introducing new features or partnerships to boost its appeal further. The gaming community’s mixed reactions are a clear indicator that sustaining interest in the franchise will require innovative marketing and continuous engagement with fans. Given the competitive nature of racing games, success hinges on the studio's ability to evolve and adapt to audience expectations in a crowded market.
The Road Less Traveled
This scenario echoes the fate of Sega's beloved Sonic the Hedgehog franchise in the early 2000s, when the series faced its ups and downs, eventually pivoting to focus on Sonic Mania and other titles that aligned more closely with fan desires. Just as Sonic made a comeback by returning to its roots while embracing new ideas, Turn 10’s shift in focus may not signify the end but rather a transformation. Such narratives reveal how franchises can re-emerge from difficult periods by listening to their audience and repositioning themselves in a vibrant gaming landscape.