Delisted Open-World Racing Game Restores Online Features

Despite being delisted in 2020, Forza Horizon 3's online services remain operational, much to the delight of its player base. This continued support was recently confirmed by a community manager who addressed player concerns about inaccessible features, clarifying that servers had been rebooted. This action underscores Playground Games' commitment to maintaining online functionality for the title. This contrasts with the fate of Forza Horizon and Forza Horizon 2, whose online services were permanently shut down after delisting.

The Forza franchise, launched in 2005 with Forza Motorsport, has seen significant growth, culminating in the recent success of Forza Horizon 5. Released in 2021, Forza Horizon 5 boasts over 40 million players, solidifying its position as one of Xbox's most successful games. This success, however, didn't prevent the game from being notably absent from the Best Ongoing Game category at The Game Awards 2024, sparking some controversy.

The recent reassurance regarding Forza Horizon 3's online services stemmed from a Reddit post expressing concern over the game's functionality. A player reported difficulties accessing certain features, prompting worries about an impending shutdown. The prompt and reassuring response from Playground Games' senior community manager, who confirmed a server reboot, was met with widespread appreciation from the community. It's worth noting that Forza Horizon 3 was officially declared "End of Life" in 2020, meaning it was removed from the Microsoft Store.

The delisting of Forza Horizon 4 in December 2024, despite its impressive 24 million player count since its 2018 release, served as a stark reminder of the transient nature of online services. However, Playground Games' swift and positive response to the Forza Horizon 3 situation offers a welcome contrast, highlighting their dedication to player satisfaction and the longevity of their online experiences. The increased player traffic following the server reboot further validates this commitment.

Forza Horizon 5's continued success, with its 40 million players, sets a high bar for the anticipated Forza Horizon 6. Speculation regarding the next installment's setting is rife within the community, with many hoping for a Japan-based game. While Playground Games is currently focused on other projects, including the Fable title, the possibility of a Japanese setting for Forza Horizon 6 remains an exciting prospect for fans.