Forza Horizon 3's Online Persistence: A Community Triumph
Despite its 2020 delisting, Forza Horizon 3's online functionality remains surprisingly active. This unexpected longevity stems from a recent server reboot initiated by Playground Games, directly addressing player concerns about inaccessible features. This action showcases Playground's ongoing commitment to supporting the game's online community, a stark contrast to the permanent shutdown of Forza Horizon and Forza Horizon 2's online services following their respective delistings.
The Forza franchise, launched in 2005 with Forza Motorsport, has seen significant growth, particularly within the Horizon series. While Forza Horizon 5, released in 2021 and boasting over 40 million players, recently achieved a major milestone, Forza Horizon 3's continued online support is a welcome surprise for its dedicated player base. The fifth installment's exclusion from The Game Awards 2024's "Best Ongoing Game" category sparked some controversy, but its extensive post-launch content and updates, including the Hide and Seek mode, are undeniable.
A Reddit post by JoaoPaulo3k highlighted community anxieties surrounding Forza Horizon 3's online future. Concerns arose when players experienced difficulties accessing certain features, prompting fears of an imminent service termination. However, Playground Games' senior community manager swiftly responded, reassuring players that the servers had been restarted and alleviating widespread apprehension. The game's 2020 "End of Life" status, signifying the removal of the base game and DLC from the Microsoft Store, initially fueled these concerns.
Forza Horizon 3's Online Services Remain Active Despite Delisting
The delisting of Forza Horizon 4 in December 2024, despite its impressive 24 million player count since its 2018 release, served as a recent reminder of the impermanence of online services. Playground Games' proactive response to Forza Horizon 3's issues, however, offers a positive counterpoint. The community manager also reported a noticeable increase in player activity following the server reboot.
Forza Horizon 5's phenomenal success underscores the enduring appeal of the franchise. With its massive player base and continued popularity, anticipation for Forza Horizon 6 is understandably high. The community's long-standing desire for a Japan-based setting adds further intrigue to speculation surrounding the next installment, potentially alongside Playground Games' work on the anticipated Fable title.
