Is Forza Motorsport Out of Gas?
The checkered flag seemed to be waving for Forza Motorsport. After a much-hyped reboot in 2023 that received mixed reviews, developer Turn 10 Studios was hit with significant layoffs earlier in 2025. Since then, news on the future of the series has been non-existent, and the studio was even confirmed to be playing a support role for the upcoming Forza Horizon 6. The writing was on the wall, and fans were convinced that Microsoft had quietly sent its flagship racing simulator to the scrap heap.
But this week, the head of Xbox, Phil Spencer, broke the silence. In an interview, he addressed the fears head-on, swearing that the Forza Motorsport IP isn’t dead. His explanation, however, might not be the reassurance the community was hoping for.
Spencer’s Official Statement: “Parked, Not Canceled”
When asked directly if the franchise had been axed, Spencer’s response was a firm “No!” He went on to explain that the focus at Xbox sometimes needs to shift to games with earlier release dates. He acknowledged the layoffs at Turn 10 but framed the situation as a strategic pause.
“We sometimes give the development team a little more time so that they do not continue to be in a state of tension,” Spencer stated. The message is clear: Forza Motorsport is being intentionally deprioritized. It’s not gone forever, but it’s been put on the back burner while Turn 10 helps out on the more commercially successful Forza Horizon 6, and to give the remaining team a break from the pressure.
Why Fans Aren’t Buying It
While any news is better than silence, the community’s reaction has been overwhelmingly skeptical. For many, “parked indefinitely” sounds a lot like corporate-speak for a soft cancellation. This skepticism is fueled by Microsoft’s recent track record of studio closures and project cancellations. Words are cheap, and fans have seen promises broken before.
The 2023 reboot, while praised for its physics and visuals, was criticized for its lackluster career mode and progression system. The game failed to retain a strong player base, making the more arcade-friendly and massively popular Forza Horizon series the clear favorite in the Xbox racing stable. With a reported 50% of staff cut from Turn 10, fans are questioning what kind of game the remaining team could even produce in the future.
What’s Next for the Forza Franchise?
For now, all eyes are on Forza Horizon 6. Set in Japan, the next open-world installment from Playground Games is expected to launch in 2026 and is undoubtedly Xbox’s main racing priority. As for Motorsport, its future is a mystery. One theory is that it will eventually return as a technical showcase for Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox console, whenever that may be.
Forza Motorsport has always been the series that pushes the hardware to its limits. Giving Turn 10 an extended period to rebuild and innovate could result in a truly groundbreaking title. But that’s a big ‘if’.
Conclusion
Phil Spencer wants the world to know that Forza Motorsport isn’t dead. But his assurance that it’s just “parked” feels like little comfort to a community that has seen its favorite simulation racer stall out. While giving the team more time could lead to a stronger comeback, the combination of major layoffs and a hard pivot to the Horizon series makes the future of Motorsport look incredibly uncertain. For now, the series is in the garage, waiting for a green light that may never come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Has Forza Motorsport been canceled?
According to Xbox CEO Phil Spencer, no, the franchise is not canceled. He describes it as being “parked indefinitely” while the team’s focus is shifted elsewhere.
2. Why did fans believe the series was canceled?
Speculation grew after significant layoffs at developer Turn 10 Studios in 2025, a lack of new content for the 2023 reboot, and confirmation that Turn 10 was now a support studio for Forza Horizon 6.
3. What did Phil Spencer say about the situation?
He said that Xbox sometimes needs to shift focus to games releasing sooner and that they are giving the development team “a little more time so that they do not continue to be in a state of tension.”
4. What is happening at Turn 10 Studios?
After layoffs reduced the studio’s size, the remaining team is now supporting Playground Games in the development of Forza Horizon 6.
5. What is the next official Forza game?
The next confirmed title is Forza Horizon 6, which is set in Japan and is expected to be released in 2026.
6. Why is the community still skeptical about Forza Motorsport’s future?
Fans are wary due to Microsoft’s recent history of closing studios and canceling games. The term “parked indefinitely” is seen by many as a soft cancellation, especially with the clear prioritization of the more profitable Forza Horizon series.