Former Forza Developer Claims Original Motorsport Series Faces Extinction Due to Microsoft Layoffs, But Forza Horizon Thrives
A former employee reveals that Microsoft’s recent job cuts have led to the demise of the Forza Motorsport series, while the Forza Horizon spinoff continues to flourish.
Developer Fred Russell, a former content coordinator at Turn 10 Studios, asserted on Facebook that Microsoft’s recent layoffs have effectively put a stop to the Forza Motorsport series.
Key Highlights:
- Russell indicates that while the original Motorsport series faces extinction, the Forza Horizon spinoff remains active.
- “Turn 10 Studios has shuttered the Forza Motorsport space and the team is no more,” he mentioned.
- He expressed his sadness over this situation, reflecting on his valuable time with the team.
In response to a query about Turn 10’s future, Russell confidently stated, “Forza Horizon will continue at this point.” His comments align with various reports about the company’s significant workforce reductions, with Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier reporting that up to 50% of Turn 10 employees were let go.
The Forza Motorsport franchise was a staple for its classic racing experience, competing directly with Gran Turismo on PlayStation. In contrast, the Horizon series, launched in 2012, has outperformed its predecessor in popularity, with the most recent iterations being Forza Motorsport in 2023 and Forza Horizon 5 in 2021.
Despite mixed reviews, Forza Motorsport has been praised for its execution, while Forza Horizon 5 has received accolades for its expansive gameplay that resembles an open-world racing adventure.
