Open-World Racing Game Relaunches with Online Play

Forza Horizon 3's Online Persistence: A Community Triumph

Despite its 2020 delisting, Forza Horizon 3's online functionality remains surprisingly active, much to the delight of its dedicated player base. Initial concerns arose when players reported inaccessible features, sparking fears of an imminent shutdown—a fate that befell earlier Forza Horizon titles. However, a Playground Games community manager swiftly intervened, confirming a server reboot and reassuring players of the game's ongoing online support. This proactive response stands in stark contrast to the permanent termination of online services for Forza Horizon and Forza Horizon 2 following their delistings.

The Forza franchise, launched in 2005 with Forza Motorsport, has seen consistent growth, culminating in the hugely successful Forza Horizon 5. While Forza Horizon 5's exclusion from the 2024 Game Awards' "Best Ongoing Game" category generated some controversy, its post-launch content and updates, including the popular Hide and Seek mode, underscore its enduring appeal. The game boasts an impressive player count exceeding 40 million since its 2021 release.

A Reddit thread initiated by user JoaoPaulo3k highlighted the initial concerns regarding Forza Horizon 3's online status. A screenshot of a post questioning the game's future sparked community anxiety. The timely intervention of Playground's senior community manager, praised by players for their swift action, effectively quelled these fears. The reboot not only restored functionality but also saw a noticeable surge in player activity. It's important to note that Forza Horizon 3 reached its "End of Life" stage in 2020, meaning new purchases were discontinued.

The delisting of Forza Horizon 4 in December 2024, despite its impressive 24 million player base, served as a stark reminder of the transient nature of online services. Playground Games' prompt response to the Forza Horizon 3 situation, however, offers a reassuring counterpoint, demonstrating a commitment to player engagement and community satisfaction.

Forza Horizon 5's remarkable success, with over 40 million players, solidifies the franchise's position as a major player in the racing game genre. Anticipation for Forza Horizon 6 is high, with many players hoping for a long-requested Japanese setting. While Playground Games is currently focused on other projects, including the upcoming Fable title, the future of the Forza Horizon series appears bright.