"Forza Motorsport Team Disbanded, Developer Says, as Staff Shifts to Horizon Support"

Forza Motorsport developer Turn 10 Studios has reportedly faced significant restructuring following this week’s Microsoft layoffs, with former team members confirming the studio has effectively discontinued development on the Forza Motorsport series. The sim racing franchise, which launched in 2005 alongside the original Xbox, appears to be officially on hold, as remaining resources at Turn 10 shift focus to supporting the Forza Horizon series—primarily developed by Playground Games in the UK.

Fred Russell, a former content coordinator at Turn 10 Studios, confirmed the news in a Facebook post, stating, “Turn 10 Studios has shuttered the Forza Motorsport space and the team is no more. A very sad day for one of the best car racing video games. I loved my time there.” In response to follow-up questions, Russell clarified that while the studio remains open, it is now solely dedicated to supporting the Horizon side of the franchise, with Microsoft having “shuttered the Forza Motorsport side only.”

Another ex-employee, Chris Harding, claimed that approximately 120 staff members were let go from the Forza Motorsport division. IGN has reached out to Microsoft for official comment on the matter.

The original Forza Motorsport series helped establish Microsoft as a major player in the console racing genre, positioning itself as a direct competitor to Sony’s Gran Turismo. Over the years, seven sequels were released, each aligning with new Xbox console generations. However, the franchise’s momentum slowed as Forza Horizon—an open-world, festival-themed spin-off introduced in 2012—gained widespread acclaim and commercial success. Four sequels followed over the next decade, gradually shifting the spotlight away from the simulation roots of the series.

Although Xbox head Phil Spencer recently confirmed a new Forza title is expected in 2026, industry speculation had already leaned toward it being a Forza Horizon installment rather than a continuation of the sim-focused Motorsport line. The 2023 release of Forza Motorsport was intended as a reboot for the series but received a mixed reception, potentially influencing Microsoft’s strategic pivot.

“The legacy will stay,” Russell added, “even if there is no future for the game.”