Microsoft Reaffirms Commitment to Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon 5 Despite Turn 10 Layoffs

Microsoft has moved to reassure Forza enthusiasts that support for Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon 5 will persist, courtesy of Turn 10 Studios and Playground Games, in spite of the recent restructuring at Turn 10. An August 7 post from the official Forza Motorsport social media account expressed gratitude for the community's support and addressed speculation surrounding the franchise's future. The message stated that Turn 10 and Playground Games will continue to provide updates for Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon 5. This development comes on the heels of Microsoft's announcement last month regarding substantial layoffs within its gaming division, prompted by rumors and reports. On July 2, it was reported that Call of Duty developer Raven Software had undergone layoffs, while nearly half of Turn 10 Studios' staff had allegedly been let go. Subsequently, a content coordinator at Turn 10 Studios revealed that the team was effectively disbanded and the Forza Motorsport division had been closed. However, it was confirmed that work on Forza Horizon would continue, with the remaining staff collaborating with Playground Games on Forza Horizon 6, slated for release in 2026. A former Turn 10 designer claimed that 120 individuals had been laid off from the Forza Motorsport team, although Microsoft has not disclosed the exact number of affected employees. In addition to the layoffs at Turn 10 and Raven Software, Microsoft has also ceased operations at The Initiative and cancelled several Xbox projects, including the Perfect Dark reboot and Rare's Everwild.