Restored Online Features Revived in Delisted Racing Game

Forza Horizon 3's Online Persistence: A Community Triumph

Despite its 2020 delisting, Forza Horizon 3's online functionality remains active, much to the delight of its player base. Initial concerns arose when players reported inaccessible features, sparking fears of an imminent shutdown mirroring the fate of Forza Horizon and Forza Horizon 2's online services. However, a Playground Games community manager swiftly intervened, confirming a server reboot and reassuring players of the game's continued online support. This proactive response stands in stark contrast to the previous cessation of online services for earlier titles in the franchise.

The Forza series, launched in 2005 with Forza Motorsport, has seen significant growth, culminating in the highly successful Forza Horizon 5. While Forza Horizon 5's exclusion from the 2024 Game Awards' "Best Ongoing Game" category generated some controversy, its post-launch content and updates, including the popular Hide and Seek mode, demonstrate its enduring appeal and player engagement. The game boasts an impressive player count exceeding 40 million since its 2021 release.

A Reddit post highlighting player concerns about Forza Horizon 3's online future prompted the timely intervention of Playground's senior community manager. Their prompt response, lauded by the community, confirmed the server reboot and quelled anxieties. It's important to note that Forza Horizon 3 reached its "End of Life" status in 2020, meaning it was removed from digital storefronts.

The recent delisting of Forza Horizon 4 in December 2024, despite its considerable success (over 24 million players since 2018), underscores the unexpected longevity of Forza Horizon 3's online services. The positive player response following the server reboot further highlights the community's appreciation for Playground Games' commitment to maintaining online features.

Forza Horizon 5's remarkable success, surpassing 40 million players within three years of its launch, solidifies its position as one of Xbox's most successful titles. Anticipation builds for the next installment, potentially titled Forza Horizon 6, with many players hoping for a long-requested Japan setting. While Playground Games is currently focused on Fable, speculation abounds regarding the potential direction of the next Forza Horizon title.