Phil Spencer: Xbox Prioritizes Upcoming Releases Over Forza Motorsport
Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, recently addressed concerns regarding the Forza Motorsport series during an interview with Famitsu. He confirmed that the franchise is not ending, but new releases may not be imminent.
XBOX Focus on Upcoming Releases
Spencer highlighted that Xbox is prioritizing games closer to release over the development of Forza Motorsport. He stated, “Sometimes we need to shift focus to games that need to ship sooner.” This indicated that the development pace for Forza is currently slower.
Changes at Turn 10 Studios
The slow pace of Forza Motorsport’s development is also linked to recent layoffs at Turn 10 Studios. Spencer revealed that around half of the studio’s staff was let go in July as part of significant cuts at Xbox Game Studios.
- Turn 10 Studios is responsible for Forza Motorsport.
- Xbox Game Studios boasts over 20 studios concurrently developing multiple projects.
- Some projects require immediate attention, while others need a longer development timeline.
The State of the Forza Series
The Forza series includes two main titles: Forza Motorsport, a realistic racing simulator, and Forza Horizon, an open-world racing game that has gained popularity over time. The latest Forza Motorsport, released in 2023, focused on rebooting the series and has received 22 free updates, enhancing tracks and vehicles.
Despite the current situation, Spencer’s reassurances may provide hope to fans eager for future Forza titles. While no immediate plans for a new entry exist, the series remains a vital part of Xbox’s offerings.
