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. A recent community manager intervention confirmed server restarts following player reports of inaccessible features, showcasing Playground Games' ongoing commitment to maintaining online functionality. This contrasts with the permanent shutdown of online services for Forza Horizon and Forza Horizon 2 after their delistings.

The Forza franchise, launched in 2005 with Forza Motorsport, has seen continued success, with the latest installment, Forza Horizon 5, achieving over 40 million players since its 2021 release. This success, however, didn't prevent Forza Horizon 5 from being controversially omitted from the Best Ongoing Game category at The Game Awards 2024. The game's extensive post-launch content and updates, including the Hide and Seek mode, have significantly contributed to its popularity.

Concerns regarding the potential end of Forza Horizon 3's online services were raised on Reddit after players experienced issues accessing certain features. However, Playground Games' senior community manager swiftly addressed these concerns, announcing server reboots and alleviating player anxieties. The game's 2020 "End of Life" status, signifying the removal of the base game and DLC from the Microsoft Store, did not impact online services.

The delisting of Forza Horizon 4 in December 2024, despite its 24 million player count since its 2018 launch, served as a stark reminder of the potential for online service termination. Playground Games' proactive response to Forza Horizon 3's issues, and the subsequent increase in player traffic, demonstrate a positive shift in community engagement.

Forza Horizon 5's remarkable achievement of over 40 million players underscores the franchise's enduring appeal. Anticipation is building for Forza Horizon 6, with many players hoping for a Japan setting. While Playground Games is currently focused on the upcoming Fable title, speculation suggests that development on the next Forza Horizon installment may already be underway.