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 demonstrates Playground Games' ongoing commitment to maintaining online functionality, a stark contrast to 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 significant growth, particularly with the Forza Horizon series debuting in 2012. The latest installment, Forza Horizon 5, released in 2021, achieved a remarkable feat, surpassing 40 million players. This success, however, didn't prevent controversy surrounding its exclusion from the Best Ongoing Game category at The Game Awards 2024.
Concerns regarding the end of Forza Horizon 3's online services were recently raised on Reddit. A player's inability to access certain features sparked worry. However, Playground Games' senior community manager swiftly addressed these concerns, announcing server reboots and effectively quelling fears. While the game reached its "End of Life" status in 2020, meaning it's no longer available for purchase, its online functionality persists.
The delisting of Forza Horizon 4 in December 2024, despite its impressive 24 million player count since its 2018 launch, served as a reminder of the precarious nature of online services for older titles. Playground's proactive response to Forza Horizon 3's issues, coupled with the positive player response following the server reboot, highlights a dedication to community engagement.
Forza Horizon 5's continued success underscores the franchise's enduring popularity. With its massive player base and ongoing demand for a Japan setting, anticipation builds for the likely next installment, Forza Horizon 6, while Playground Games simultaneously works on the highly anticipated Fable title.
