Forza Motorsport Killed by Recent Microsoft Cuts, According to Former Employee
Forza Motorsport is as good as dead, according to Fred Russell, a former content coordinator at the studio, who was laid off as part of the recent Microsoft cuts. However, the Forza Horizon series will continue for the time being at least.
Microsoft’s ongoing restructuring and cuts in 2025 have impacted multiple studios and projects, with Forza Motorsport now among them, according to Fred Russell, a former content coordinator at developer Turn 10.
Russell shared a post on Facebook, revealing that the “Motorsport space and team is no more,” before reassuring fans that Horizon “will continue at this point.”
What Happened to Forza Motorsport?
Forza Motorsport 2023 was launched as somewhat of a reboot of the franchise, which stretches back two decades to 2005. But its focus on online modes and its live-service model has failed to resonate with fans as previous entries in the series.
Unfortunately, with several studios facing cutbacks and Forza developer Turn 10 reportedly losing 50% of its workforce, as noted by Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, it seems the focus will shift to the Forza Horizon series instead. With one franchise dead and another continuing despite layoffs, Fred Russell described it as “a very sad day.”
Microsoft’s Restructuring and the Gaming Fallout
Microsoft has reportedly laid off up to 9,000 staff, ending support for games, shutting down studios, and cancelling in-development projects. Forza Motorsport has befallen the same fate as others we know about, including the Perfect Dark reboot and an unnamed ZeniMax MMO.
The ongoing changes follow other companies within the gaming industry that have chosen to streamline teams and reduce projects to ensure long-term profitability. Live-service games seem particularly vulnerable to cuts, with notable titles including Concord, Lawbreakers, Anthem, Evolve, and an unannounced God of War game.
What This Means for the Forza Franchise
Turn 10 is yet to officially reveal the severity of the recent cuts, although it’s believed to be at least 50% of the studio’s workforce. Russell has claimed Forza Motorsport as “no more,” but sheds a positive light on Forza Horizon after reassuring fans the series is still alive.
While another Motorsport title seems unlikely, it seems the more casual Horizon series, which offers a more arcade-style racing experience, will be the main focus for Turn 10 going forward.
Conclusion
Former Turn 10 employee Fred Russell has claimed the Forza Motorsport team has been disbanded following the ongoing Microsoft cuts across its Xbox divisions. Forza Horizon is still alive despite the studio reportedly losing 50% of its staff. What do you think about the ongoing layoffs at Microsoft and Xbox? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Fueled by a passion for gaming and the ever-evolving world of gaming news, Daniel loves connecting with seasoned and new players to bring games to life on the page, exploring their narratives and gaming trends. A self-published fiction and fantasy author, Daniel has nearly 20 years of experience writing gaming news and a love for storytelling that drives his enthusiasm to deliver breaking news, in-depth analysis, and industry innovations. You will find him in-game as "Windfell."
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