Gaming Revival: Delisted Title's Online Play Restored

Despite being delisted in 2020, Forza Horizon 3's online services remain operational, much to the delight of its player base. This commitment to continued online functionality was recently reaffirmed by a community manager who confirmed server restarts following player reports of inaccessible features. This 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, particularly with the Horizon series. The latest installment, Forza Horizon 5, released in 2021, achieved a remarkable feat by surpassing 40 million players. This success, however, didn't prevent controversy surrounding its omission from The Game Awards 2024's "Best Ongoing Game" category. Forza Horizon 5 has significantly expanded upon its predecessor's post-launch content, notably including the Hide and Seek multiplayer mode.

Recent concerns about Forza Horizon 3's online services were addressed on Reddit. A player's post expressing worry about the game's online functionality prompted a reassuring response from Playground Games' senior community manager. The manager confirmed server reboots, resolving the reported issues and earning praise from the community. It's important to note that Forza Horizon 3 reached its "End of Life" status in 2020, meaning it was removed from the Microsoft Store.

The delisting of Forza Horizon 4 in December 2024, despite its 24 million player base, served as a stark reminder of the potential for online service termination. Playground Games' swift and positive response to the Forza Horizon 3 situation, however, demonstrates a dedication to player experience. The community manager also noted a surge in player activity following the server restarts.

Forza Horizon 5's continued success, having reached over 40 million players, solidifies its place as one of Xbox's most successful games. Anticipation is building for Forza Horizon 6, with many players hoping for a Japan setting. While Playground Games is currently focused on Fable, speculation suggests that development on the next Horizon title may already be underway.