August 12, 2025 - In a move aimed squarely at reassuring its massive player base, Microsoft and Turn 10 Studios have confirmed that development and support for both Forza Motorsport and the wildly popular Forza Horizon 5 will continue unabated, even in the wake of recent layoffs impacting the studio.
The news comes as a bittersweet relief to the dedicated Forza community, who were understandably concerned about the future of their favorite racing franchises following reports of job cuts across Microsoft's gaming divisions, including Turn 10. The studio, renowned for its technical prowess and dedication to the racing genre, is the heart behind both the simulation-focused Forza Motorsport reboot and the open-world festival playground of Forza Horizon 5.
Official Commitment Amidst Industry Challenges
The clearest signal came directly from the source. Turn 10 Studios took to their official social media channel to address player concerns head-on:
"To our Forza community: We know you have questions following recent news. Our commitment to Forza, our players, and the future of Motorsport and Horizon remains unchanged. Development and support continue. Thank you for your passion – it drives us forward." https://x.com/ForzaMotorsport/status/1953508994581938364
This direct communication underscores Microsoft's strategic priority: maintaining the health and longevity of its flagship racing titles. Both Forza Horizon 5, consistently one of the most-played games on Xbox and PC Game Pass, and the newer Forza Motorsport, representing the core simulation experience, are vital pillars in the Xbox ecosystem.
Layoffs Part of Broader Microsoft Restructuring
The reassurance follows confirmed reporting by renowned games journalist Jason Schreier, detailing that the Turn 10 layoffs were part of a larger wave of cuts within Microsoft's Xbox division this week. While undoubtedly difficult for those affected, the focus from leadership appears to be on restructuring to ensure the ongoing operation and future of key franchises like Forza. Schreier's report provided crucial context for the studio's situation: https://bsky.app/profile/jasonschreier.bsky.social/post/3lsynuplq222l
What "Continued Support" Means for Players
For players, this confirmation translates to:
- Ongoing Updates: Expect continued title updates for both Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon 5, addressing bugs, performance improvements, and potentially adding features.
- New Content: While specific roadmaps weren't detailed, the commitment strongly suggests planned content drops – new cars, events, or experiences – are still in the pipeline, especially for the ever-evolving Forza Horizon 5.
- Online Services: Critical online functionality, multiplayer features, and the Forza community hubs will remain operational and supported.
- Future Vision: Most importantly, it signals that the long-term vision for both franchises is still active. Work on the next chapters, expansions, or future iterations is implied to be moving forward.
A Community Sighs of Relief
The response from the Forza community has been largely positive, filled with relief and messages of support for both the developers continuing their work and those impacted by the layoffs. Players were quick to share their favorite in-game moments and express gratitude for the continued commitment to their beloved racing worlds.
Looking Ahead: The Race Goes On
The video game industry continues to navigate a complex landscape, and layoffs remain a harsh reality. However, Microsoft's swift and clear communication regarding the Forza franchise is a significant step in maintaining player trust. While acknowledging the human cost of restructuring, the message is unambiguous: the engines are still running at Turn 10. The development and support for Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon 5 remain full throttle, ensuring millions of virtual racers worldwide can keep pushing the limits on track and across the stunning landscapes of Mexico for the foreseeable future. The checkered flag on these titles hasn't even been glimpsed.
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