Forza Horizon 3 Online Services Remain Active Despite Delisting
Despite being removed from digital storefronts in 2020, Forza Horizon 3's online functionality continues to operate, much to the delight of players. Recent reports of inaccessible features prompted a response from Playground Games, confirming a server reboot and reassuring the community of their ongoing commitment to maintaining online services. This stands in 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 significant growth, particularly with the Horizon series debuting in 2012. The latest installment, Forza Horizon 5, released in 2021, recently surpassed 40 million players, solidifying its place as one of Xbox's most successful titles. This success, however, didn't prevent controversy surrounding its exclusion from the Best Ongoing Game category at The Game Awards 2024.
A recent Reddit post expressed concern about the potential end of Forza Horizon 3's online services due to reported feature unavailability. A Playground Games senior community manager quickly addressed these concerns, announcing the server reboot and effectively quelling community anxieties. The game's 2020 "End of Life" status, which discontinued sales of the base game and DLC on the Microsoft Store, had fueled these fears.
Forza Horizon 3's Continued Online Support: A Positive Sign
The swift response to player concerns regarding Forza Horizon 3 contrasts with the 2024 delisting of Forza Horizon 4, another successful title with over 24 million players. Playground Games' proactive approach, along with the reported increase in online activity following the server reboot, is a positive sign for the community.
Forza Horizon 5's remarkable success, with over 40 million players since its 2021 launch, further highlights the franchise's popularity. Anticipation is already building for Forza Horizon 6, with many players hoping for a long-requested Japan setting. While Playground Games is currently working on the upcoming Fable title, speculation suggests they may be simultaneously planning the next Horizon installment.
