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 reboots following player reports of inaccessible features, underscoring 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, culminating in the recent release of Forza Horizon 5. Forza Horizon 5, released in 2021, achieved a remarkable feat, surpassing 40 million players. This success, however, didn't prevent controversy surrounding its omission from The Game Awards 2024's "Best Ongoing Game" category. The game's extensive post-launch content, including the Hide and Seek mode, contributed significantly to its popularity.
A Reddit post by JoaoPaulo3k highlighted community concerns regarding the potential end of Forza Horizon 3's online services. A player's inability to access certain features sparked worry, but Playground Games' senior community manager swiftly addressed the issue, announcing server reboots and reassuring players. While Forza Horizon 3 reached its "End of Life" status in 2020, meaning its removal from the Microsoft Store, its online component persists.
The delisting of Forza Horizon 4 in December 2024, despite its over 24 million players since its 2018 launch, served as a stark reminder of the transient nature of online game availability. Playground Games' proactive response to Forza Horizon 3's online issues, however, offers a positive counterpoint, demonstrating a dedication to player experience. The community manager also noted a surge in player activity following the server restarts.
Forza Horizon 5's continued success, boasting over 40 million players, solidifies its place as one of Xbox's most successful titles. Anticipation for Forza Horizon 6 is high, with many players hoping for a Japan setting. While Playground Games is currently working on Fable, speculation abounds regarding the development of the next Forza Horizon installment.
