Delisted Open-World Racing Game Restores Online Features

Forza Horizon 3 Online Services Remain Active Despite Delisting

Despite being removed from digital storefronts in 2020, Forza Horizon 3's online features continue to function, much to the delight of players. This commitment to maintaining online services was recently reaffirmed by a community manager who confirmed server reboots following player reports of inaccessible features. This contrasts with the fate of Forza Horizon and Forza Horizon 2, whose online services were shut down after delisting.

The Forza franchise, launched in 2005 with Forza Motorsport, has seen significant growth, particularly with the Forza Horizon series. The latest installment, Forza Horizon 5, released in 2021, recently surpassed 40 million players, becoming one of Xbox's most successful games. Despite its omission from the Best Ongoing Game category at The Game Awards 2024, Forza Horizon 5 continues to receive substantial post-launch content and updates, including the popular Hide and Seek mode.

Recent concerns about the end of Forza Horizon 3's online services were raised on Reddit. A player reported difficulties accessing certain features, sparking fears of an imminent shutdown. However, Playground Games' senior community manager quickly responded, alleviating concerns by confirming server maintenance and highlighting increased player activity following the reboot. The game's 2020 "End of Life" status, which ended sales on the Microsoft Store, did not affect online functionality.

Forza Horizon 3's Continued Online Support

The delisting of Forza Horizon 4 in December 2024, despite its 24 million player base, served as a reminder of the potential for online service termination. The swift and positive response to the Forza Horizon 3 situation, however, showcases Playground Games' dedication to its player community. The community manager noted a significant uptick in player engagement after the server maintenance.

Forza Horizon 5's remarkable success, with over 40 million players since its 2021 launch, underscores the franchise's popularity. Anticipation is high for the next installment, potentially titled Forza Horizon 6, with many players hoping for a Japan setting. While Playground Games is currently focused on the upcoming Fable title, speculation abounds regarding the future direction of the Forza Horizon series.