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 functionality persists, much to the delight of its player base. A recent community manager statement confirmed server restarts following player reports of inaccessible features, underscoring Playground Games' commitment to maintaining online services. This is a welcome contrast to the fate of Forza Horizon and Forza Horizon 2, whose online services were permanently shut down after delisting.

The Forza franchise, launched in 2005 with Forza Motorsport, has seen continued success, culminating in the hugely popular Forza Horizon 5. Released in 2021, Forza Horizon 5 recently surpassed 40 million players, becoming one of Xbox's most successful titles. This success, however, didn't prevent Forza Horizon 5 from being snubbed for the Best Ongoing Game award at The Game Awards 2024, sparking some controversy.

The reassurance regarding Forza Horizon 3's online services came after a Reddit post by user JoaoPaulo3k highlighted player concerns about potential service termination. Following reports of unavailable features, Playground Games' senior community manager intervened, confirming server reboots and alleviating community anxieties. The game's 2020 "End of Life" status signified the end of sales for the base game and DLC on the Microsoft Store.

Forza Horizon 3's Online Persistence

The news is particularly encouraging given the 2024 delisting of Forza Horizon 4, another highly successful title boasting over 24 million players since its 2018 release. Playground Games' swift response to Forza Horizon 3's online issues and the positive player feedback following the server restarts demonstrate a commitment to their community.

Forza Horizon 5's remarkable success, with over 40 million players since its 2021 launch, solidifies the franchise's position as a major player in the racing game genre. Anticipation is already building for Forza Horizon 6, with many players hoping for a long-requested Japan setting. While Playground Games is currently focused on Fable, speculation suggests they might be quietly working on the next Forza Horizon installment.