Forza Motorsport Developer Turn 10 Faces Major Layoffs, Over 70 Employees Affected

Layoffs Impact Forza Motorsport Developer Turn 10 Studios

Recent reports indicate that Turn 10 Studios, the team behind the popular Forza Motorsport franchise, faced severe staff reductions during the latest round of layoffs at Microsoft. According to The Verge, more than 70 employees were let go, significantly affecting the studio’s workforce.

Current State of Turn 10 Studios

This considerable reduction leaves the remaining staff with the significant yet challenging responsibility of supporting the recently launched Forza Motorsport, which debuted in October 2023 and received generally favorable reviews from critics. Notably, our own Chris Wray expressed a mixed sentiment about the game, acknowledging its positive aspects while hinting that it lacks certain excitement factors:

While Forza Motorsport is a good game with more than enough things going for it, there’s something that just isn’t that exciting. Forza Motorsport is a good game, and it’s a return to form for the core Forza series – one that seriously faltered while the Horizon spinoff went from strength to strength. If, for an odd reason, you have yet to pick this up on Game Pass (or otherwise), then take this as a recommendation. Forza Motorsport is a very good racing game, a return to form for the series, and a good sign for the future of the series.

Mixed Reactions from Fans and Players

Despite the favorable reviews from critics, many long-time fans have expressed disappointment with the game. Key criticisms include a perceived lack of content and the introduction of an RPG-like car progression system, which failed to resonate with the fanbase. Although Microsoft has not publicly disclosed player metrics, it is believed that Forza Motorsport fell short of sales expectations.

Uncertain Future for Forza Motorsport

The recent layoffs have prompted questions about the future of this iconic Xbox franchise. Xbox enthusiasts are left wondering whether Microsoft plans to hire new staff to develop future projects. If new talent is brought on board, concerns remain regarding the timeline for future developments and how this will affect the longevity of the Forza series.

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