Strap in we got more crap news from the Xbox Front. Recent reports from the gaming industry have sent shockwaves through the racing game community, as a former Turn 10 Studios employee has claimed that the iconic Forza Motorsport series has been cancelled. This news follows a wave of significant layoffs at Turn 10 Studios, the Microsoft-owned developer responsible for the Forza Motorsport franchise.

The Claim from Inside Turn 10

Fred Russel, a former developer at Turn 10, posted on Reddit that the team dedicated to the Forza Motorsport series “no longer exists.” According to Russel, Microsoft has shifted its focus and resources away from Forza Motorsport in favour of expanding the more popular Forza Horizon series, developed by Playground Games. He emphasized that Turn 10’s Forza Motorsport division was effectively dismantled during recent corporate restructuring.

While Russel’s comments have not been officially confirmed by Microsoft or Turn 10, they align with other reports of major cuts impacting the studio. Turn 10 Studios reportedly lost nearly half of its workforce amid layoffs that affected up to 9,000 employees across Microsoft’s gaming division.

What This Means for Forza Motorsport

The Forza Motorsport series has long been regarded as the flagship simulation racing franchise for Xbox, known for its realistic driving physics and detailed tracks. The most recent entry, simply titled Forza Motorsport, was released in 2023 for Xbox Series X|S and PC, receiving generally positive reviews for its graphics and gameplay.

However, with the dismantling of the dedicated team and Microsoft’s shifting priorities, the future of new Forza Motorsport titles is highly uncertain. Industry insiders suggest that Microsoft might be consolidating efforts to bolster the open-world, more arcade-style Forza Horizon series, which has gained broader mainstream appeal and critical acclaim.

Microsoft’s Official Position and Industry Impact

Microsoft has yet to release an official statement confirming or denying the cancellation of Forza Motorsport. However, the layoffs and restructuring at Turn 10 have been acknowledged publicly. The company stated that these changes were part of a broader effort to “streamline development” and focus resources where they can have the most impact.

The potential cancellation of Forza Motorsport marks a significant shift in Xbox’s racing game strategy. While Forza Horizon continues to thrive, fans of the traditional motorsport simulation style may find themselves without a new installment in the near future. This decision could leave a gap in the racing genre, as Forza Motorsport was one of the few high-profile racing simulators on Xbox and PC.

If true, the cancellation of the Forza Motorsport series would represent the end of an era for Xbox’s racing portfolio. As the gaming landscape evolves, Microsoft appears to be focusing more heavily on the Forza Horizon brand, potentially at the expense of its simulation roots.

For now, fans will have to wait for any official confirmation from Microsoft or Turn 10 Studios. Meanwhile, the legacy of Forza Motorsport as a cornerstone of realistic racing games remains firmly established in gaming history.

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