Despite being delisted in 2020, Forza Horizon 3's online services remain operational, much to the delight of its player base. This continued support was recently reaffirmed by a community manager who confirmed server reboots following player reports of inaccessible features. This action underscores Playground Games' commitment to maintaining online functionality, 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 place as one of Xbox's most successful titles. This success, however, didn't prevent controversy surrounding its exclusion from the Best Ongoing Game category at The Game Awards 2024.
The recent reassurance regarding Forza Horizon 3's online services stemmed from a Reddit post expressing concern over the loss of certain online features. A Playground Games senior community manager swiftly responded, confirming server maintenance and alleviating player anxieties. The delisting of Forza Horizon 3 in 2020 marked its "End of Life," removing it from the Microsoft Store, but the online experience persists.
The delisting of Forza Horizon 4 in December 2024, despite its impressive 24 million player count since its 2018 release, served as a stark reminder of the transient nature of online services. However, Playground Games' proactive response to Forza Horizon 3's issues offers a positive counterpoint, highlighting their responsiveness to community concerns and the positive impact of the server reboot on player engagement.
With Forza Horizon 5's phenomenal success and the anticipation surrounding a potential Forza Horizon 6 (a Japan setting is a frequently requested feature), Playground Games continues to shape the future of the franchise, potentially while simultaneously working on the upcoming Fable title.
