Delisted Open-World Racing Game Restores Online Features

Forza Horizon 3 Online: Servers Back Online After Reboot

Despite being delisted in 2020, Forza Horizon 3's online services remain operational, much to the delight of its player base. Recent concerns about inaccessible features prompted a response from Playground Games, confirming a server reboot and reaffirming their commitment to maintaining online functionality. This is a welcome change, considering 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 significant growth, culminating in the hugely popular Forza Horizon 5. Released in 2021, Forza Horizon 5 recently surpassed 40 million players, solidifying its place as one of Xbox's most successful games. Its success, however, contrasted with its exclusion from The Game Awards 2024's "Best Ongoing Game" category, sparking some controversy.

A recent Reddit thread expressed anxieties about the future of Forza Horizon 3's online capabilities. A player's inability to access certain features fueled speculation of an impending shutdown. However, Playground Games' senior community manager swiftly addressed these concerns, announcing the server reboot and alleviating player fears. The game's 2020 "End of Life" status, which removed it from the Microsoft Store, had initially raised concerns about the long-term viability of its online features.

Forza Horizon 3's Online Future Secured

The swift action by Playground Games stands in contrast to the 2024 delisting of Forza Horizon 4, another successful title boasting over 24 million players since its 2018 launch. The positive response to the Forza Horizon 3 server reboot, including increased player traffic, highlights the importance of maintaining online communities for even delisted titles.

Forza Horizon 5's continued success, with its 40 million players and ongoing updates like the Hide and Seek mode, further underscores the franchise's popularity. Anticipation is building for Forza Horizon 6, with many players hoping for a long-requested Japan setting. While Playground Games is currently focused on Fable, the future of the Forza Horizon series remains bright.