Delisted Open-World Racing Game Restores Online Features

Forza Horizon 3's Online Functionality Remains Active Despite Delisting

Despite being removed from digital storefronts in 2020, Forza Horizon 3's online services continue to function, much to the delight of its player base. This is a welcome surprise, considering the permanent shutdown of online services for Forza Horizon and Forza Horizon 2 following their delistings. Recent concerns raised by players regarding inaccessible features prompted a response from Playground Games, confirming a server reboot and reassuring the community of their ongoing commitment to maintaining online functionality.

The Forza franchise, launched in 2005 with Forza Motorsport, has seen significant growth, particularly with the Forza Horizon series debuting in 2012. The latest installment, Forza Horizon 5, released in 2021, has achieved remarkable success, boasting over 40 million players and numerous post-launch updates, including the popular Hide and Seek mode. Its omission from The Game Awards 2024's "Best Ongoing Game" category sparked some controversy.

A Reddit post highlighting player concerns about the potential end of Forza Horizon 3's online services prompted a reassuring response from Playground Games' senior community manager. The manager confirmed the server reboot, addressing player anxieties and earning praise from the community. While Forza Horizon 3 reached its "End of Life" status in 2020, meaning its removal from the Microsoft Store, its online features remain surprisingly active.

The delisting of Forza Horizon 4 in December 2024, despite its considerable success (over 24 million players since its 2018 launch), served as a stark reminder of the potential for online service termination. Playground Games' swift and positive response to the Forza Horizon 3 situation, including a noticeable increase in player activity following the server reboot, is a testament to their dedication to the community.

Forza Horizon 5's continued success, with its impressive player count exceeding 40 million, solidifies its position as one of Xbox's most successful titles. Anticipation is building for the next iteration, potentially titled Forza Horizon 6, with many players hoping for a long-requested Japan setting. While Playground Games is currently focused on Fable, speculation suggests they may be concurrently planning the next Forza Horizon installment.