Delisted Racer Resurrected With Online Revival

Despite being delisted in 2020, Forza Horizon 3's online services remain operational, much to the delight of its player base. This continued support was recently reaffirmed by a community manager who confirmed a server reboot following player reports of inaccessible features. This proactive response contrasts with the permanent shutdown of online services for Forza Horizon and Forza Horizon 2 after their delistings.

The Forza franchise, launched in 2005 with Forza Motorsport, has seen continued success, culminating in the recent release of Forza Horizon 5. Forza Horizon 5, released in 2021, achieved a remarkable feat, boasting over 40 million players. This success, however, didn't prevent some controversy surrounding its exclusion from the Best Ongoing Game category at The Game Awards 2024. The game continues to receive significant post-launch content and updates, including the popular Hide and Seek mode.

Concerns about the end of Forza Horizon 3's online services were recently raised on Reddit. A player reported difficulties accessing certain features, sparking fears of an imminent shutdown. However, Playground Games' senior community manager swiftly addressed these concerns, announcing a server reboot and alleviating player anxieties. The game's "End of Life" status, declared in 2020, only affected the game's availability for purchase, not its online functionality.

The continued support for Forza Horizon 3 stands in contrast to the 2024 delisting of Forza Horizon 4, which had amassed over 24 million players since its 2018 release. The positive community response following the server reboot highlights the importance of developer responsiveness and ongoing support for even delisted titles.

Forza Horizon 5's massive success underscores the enduring popularity of the franchise. With anticipation building for a potential Forza Horizon 6, speculation is rife about its setting, with many players hoping for a Japanese location. While Playground Games focuses on upcoming projects like Fable, the future of the Forza Horizon series remains bright.