Forza Horizon 3's Online Functionality Remains Active Despite Delisting

Despite being removed from digital storefronts in 2020, Forza Horizon 3's online services continue to function, much to the delight of its player base. This is a welcome surprise, considering the permanent shutdown of online services for the original Forza Horizon and Forza Horizon 2 following their delistings. Recent reports of inaccessible features prompted community concern, but a Playground Games community manager swiftly addressed these issues, confirming a server reboot and reassuring players of the ongoing commitment to maintaining online functionality.

The Forza franchise, launched in 2005 with Forza Motorsport, has seen significant growth, particularly with the Forza Horizon series, which debuted in 2012. The latest installment, Forza Horizon 5 (released in 2021), recently surpassed 40 million players, solidifying its place as one of Xbox's most successful titles. This success, however, hasn't been without its controversies; Forza Horizon 5's exclusion from the Best Ongoing Game category at The Game Awards 2024 sparked debate.

A Reddit post highlighting concerns about the potential end of Forza Horizon 3's online services prompted a reassuring response from Playground Games' senior community manager. The manager confirmed the server reboot, effectively quashing fears of an imminent shutdown. It's noteworthy that Forza Horizon 3 reached its "End of Life" status in 2020, meaning it was no longer available for purchase.

The unexpected longevity of Forza Horizon 3's online services contrasts with the delisting of Forza Horizon 4 in December 2024, a game that also boasted a substantial player base (over 24 million since its 2018 launch). The swift and positive response from Playground Games to the Forza Horizon 3 server issues demonstrates their dedication to player satisfaction and highlights the increased online traffic following the reboot.

Forza Horizon 5's remarkable success further underscores the enduring appeal of the series. With its massive player base and consistent updates, including the popular Hide and Seek mode, anticipation for Forza Horizon 6 is understandably high. Speculation regarding a potential Japan setting for the next installment continues to circulate among fans.