An era in virtual motorsport may have quietly come to a sad end.
According to recent reports, the team behind the iconic Forza Motorsport series at Turn 10 Studios has been disbanded. While Forza Horizon continues to thrive with regular updates, the more simulation-focused sibling appears to have been retired behind the scenes.
A Quiet Farewell To A Beloved Franchise
A former Turn 10 developer shared on social media that the Forza Motorsport division has officially been shut down. His message reads:
“Turn 10 Studios has shuttered the Forza Motorsport space and the team is no more. A very sad day for one of the best car racing video games. I loved my time there.”
Although he left Turn 10 in 2016, the developer is still deeply connected to the automotive world, currently overseeing Jon Shirley’s prestigious car collection. His words suggest this is more than just a downsizing – it marks a full restructuring of the studio’s focus.
From Motorsport To Support
Turn 10 is now reportedly operating as a support studio for Forza Horizon, which began as a spin-off but has since become the dominant branch of the franchise in terms of popularity and sales. Collaborating with Playground Games – the main developers behind Horizon – now appears to be Turn 10's primary role.
This news comes amid a wider wave of layoffs and internal shifts within Microsoft’s gaming division. Earlier in 2024, several Xbox studios were closed or downsized, including Tango Gameworks (Hi-Fi Rush) and Arkane Austin (Redfall). It seems Turn 10 is the latest to feel the effects of this broader restructuring.
Microsoft's Saving Measures Hit Cult Brand
With the apparent dismantling of the Forza Motorsport team, the racing genre loses a major player. Since its debut in 2005 on the original Xbox, Forza Motorsport stood as a flagship racing sim, often positioned as Microsoft’s answer to Sony’s Gran Turismo. With entries like Forza Motorsport 7 and the 2023 reboot, Turn 10 pushed the envelope in physics and realism.
The fact that such a renowned studio segment is now being quietly wound down is not only bitter for fans – it is also exemplary for the changing gaming industry.
It remains unclear whether Forza Motorsport will return under a different team or be shelved indefinitely. What is clear is that Microsoft is placing its bets on Forza Horizon for now – a move that reflects broader industry trends toward open-world and accessible gameplay. For fans of deep, realistic racing simulations, however, this marks a significant and emotional loss. One of the last great racing sims may have quietly crossed the finish line – with no victory lap.