Online Features Revived for Delisted Open-World Racer

Forza Horizon 3's Online Persistence: A Community Triumph

Despite its 2020 delisting, Forza Horizon 3's online functionality remains active, much to the delight of its player base. Initial concerns arose when players reported inaccessible features, sparking fears of an imminent shutdown mirroring the fate of Forza Horizon and Forza Horizon 2's online services. However, a Playground Games community manager swiftly intervened, confirming a server reboot and reassuring players of the game's ongoing online support.

This positive response stands in contrast to the delisting of Forza Horizon 4 in December 2024, a title boasting over 24 million players since its 2018 launch. The swift action regarding Forza Horizon 3 highlights Playground Games' commitment to its community and the continued maintenance of its older titles. The community manager also noted a surge in player activity following the server restoration.

The Forza franchise, launched in 2005 with Forza Motorsport, has seen significant growth, particularly with the Horizon series. Forza Horizon 5, released in 2021, recently surpassed 40 million players, solidifying its position as one of Xbox's most successful games. This success, despite the omission of Forza Horizon 5 from the Best Ongoing Game category at The Game Awards 2024, underscores the game's enduring appeal and extensive post-launch support, including additions like the Hide and Seek multiplayer mode. Speculation abounds regarding the next installment, Forza Horizon 6, with many players hoping for a Japanese setting.

The recent events surrounding Forza Horizon 3 serve as a testament to the power of community engagement and developer responsiveness. The proactive measures taken by Playground Games not only addressed player concerns but also strengthened the bond between the studio and its dedicated fanbase.