Forza Motorsport Reportedly Axed Amid Studio Layoffs

Microsoft-owned Turn 10 Studios has cancelled the entire Forza Motorsport series, a cornerstone of the racing simulation genre, as confirmed by former content coordinator Fred Russell via Facebook. 

The decision follows a massive wave of layoffs at the company. While exact numbers remain undisclosed, Eurogamer reports that the cuts affected multiple Microsoft-owned studios. 

John Schommer, a former content creator at Turn 10 Studios, expressed gratitude for his 10-year tenure, noting his role as a voice for the car-loving community.

Why It Matters

Forza Motorsport, known for its realistic driving physics and detailed car models, has been a staple for racing simulator enthusiasts. The genre, already niche, struggles with few new releases. 

Recent titles like Gran Turismo 7 (2022) have drawn criticism for requiring expensive in-game credits to unlock premium cars, making Motorsport’s loss a significant blow to fans seeking authentic racing experiences.

The cancellation has sparked disappointment among players, with many lamenting the loss of a series that offered immersive tracks and customisation. Russell clarified that the Forza Horizon series will continue, with Turn 10 Studios now supporting Playground Games, but fans remain concerned about the future of racing simulators.

Broader Industry Layoffs

Other Microsoft studios, including King and Zenimax, also face layoffs, with around 200 employees (10 per cent of King’s workforce) affected. Titles like Everwild and Perfect Dark, announced in 2019 and 2020, have been cancelled. 

Playground Games, working on the Fable reboot, remains active, but its stretched resources may delay future Horizon releases.

The loss of Forza Motorsport raises questions about the racing sim genre’s viability. As Microsoft redirects efforts to Horizon, fans hope for new projects to fill the gap left by this iconic series.

Also read: Xiaomi Won’t Sell Cars Outside China Till at Least 2027: CEO Lei Jun