Forza Motorsport, developed by Turn 10 Studios, is a hallmark of Xbox’s racing simulation genre. Unlike its arcade counterpart, Forza Horizon, this series aims to provide a realistic racing experience. The latest installment, released in 2023, was a complete reboot that garnered positive reviews for its stunning visuals and refined handling. However, some players have voiced concerns regarding its career mode and progression system.
Recent Changes at Turn 10 Studios
In light of Microsoft’s restructuring plans for 2025, Turn 10 has faced significant layoffs. This action led to speculation that the Motorsport series might be deprioritized in favor of Forza Horizon, which has proven more commercially successful.
Phil Spencer’s Assurance
Phil Spencer, CEO of Gaming at Microsoft, addressed these concerns in a recent interview with Famitsu. When asked if Forza Motorsport was canceled, Spencer unequivocally responded, “No!” He elaborated that the focus sometimes must shift to earlier-releasing games.
Moreover, Spencer acknowledged the impact of reducing the scale at Turn 10 Studios. He emphasized the importance of allowing the development team the time needed to avoid burnout.
Current Status of Forza Motorsport
Despite the layoffs, Spencer’s comments indicate that Forza Motorsport is not being canceled but temporarily sidelined. This decision comes while Xbox prioritizes other projects. Spencer’s statement about giving the team additional time suggests there is still potential for future developments in the Motorsport series.
Challenges Facing Xbox
Reports from industry insiders highlight that Microsoft CFO, Amy Hood, has imposed high expectations for the gaming division, demanding profit margins of 30%. This benchmark is substantially higher than the industry standard of 10-20%. Such a shift toward profitability has resulted in layoffs and an increase in Xbox titles moving to competing platforms.
- High Expectations: 30% profit margins demanded by Microsoft CFO Amy Hood.
- Gaming Titles Expansion: Forza Horizon 5 plans to launch on PlayStation 5.
Looking Forward
Forza Motorsport is expected to return when conditions are favorable, which may coincide with the introduction of the next Xbox console. Spencer has indicated that this upcoming console will be a first-party platform developed by Microsoft.
In the meantime, fans can anticipate the release of Forza Horizon 6, which is set to take place in Japan next year.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Forza Motorsport canceled? No, according to Phil Spencer, the game is still in development but has been deprioritized.
- Why was there speculation about cancellation? Layoffs at Turn 10 Studios during Microsoft’s restructuring led to worries over the franchise’s future.
- What’s next for Forza Motorsport? While Motorsport is on hold, Forza Horizon 6 is expected to launch soon.
