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 is a stark contrast to 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 highly successful Forza Horizon 5. Released in 2021, Forza Horizon 5 recently surpassed 40 million players, solidifying its position as one of Xbox's most popular titles. This success, however, didn't prevent the game from being controversially omitted from the Best Ongoing Game category at The Game Awards 2024.

Concerns regarding the termination of Forza Horizon 3's online services were recently raised on Reddit. A player's inability to access certain features sparked worry, but Playground Games' senior community manager swiftly addressed these concerns, announcing server reboots and reassuring players of the service's continued availability. The delisting in 2020 marked the game's "End of Life" status, meaning it's no longer available for purchase on the Microsoft Store.

The swift response to the Forza Horizon 3 online service issues contrasts with the 2024 delisting of Forza Horizon 4, another successful title with over 24 million players. Playground Games' proactive approach and the positive player response following the server reboot underscore their dedication to maintaining community engagement.

Forza Horizon 5's continued success, with its impressive player count and ongoing updates, including the popular Hide and Seek mode, further highlights the franchise's enduring appeal. Anticipation is already building for Forza Horizon 6, with many players hoping for a long-requested Japan setting. The possibility of Playground Games simultaneously developing the next iteration while working on the upcoming Fable title remains a topic of much speculation.