The gaming world was rattled in July when news broke that Microsoft’s Xbox Game Studios underwent a massive restructuring, with roughly 9,000 employees laid off globally. Turn 10 Studios took a major hit—reports suggest that around 50% of the staff were let go. This sent shockwaves through the Forza community, especially after months of silence from the official Forza Motorsport channels.
Fans React as Turn 10 Studios Faces Major Cuts
Rumors swirled that the core Forza Motorsport team was all but dissolved. Fred Russell, a former content coordinator at Turn 10, took to Facebook to share his heartbreak, describing the layoffs as a “very sad day” for one of the best racing franchises out there. He even said the studio had “shuttered the Forza Motorsport space,” fueling speculation that development on the Motorsport side might stall or stop altogether.
In response, Chris Harding, a former Turn 10 designer, claimed that “120 people” were cut from the Forza Motorsport team alone. Microsoft hasn’t confirmed this exact number, but the scale of layoffs is undeniable.
Microsoft’s Official Reassurance to the Forza Community
Recognizing the unrest, Microsoft addressed the issue directly via an X (Twitter) post from the official Forza Motorsport account. The message was simple but important:
“Dear Forza Community, we know that many of you have questions about what’s next for the Forza franchise, and we appreciate the support of our incredible community. We want to assure players that Turn 10 and Playground Games will continue to support Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon 5.”
This statement was significant not only because it broke months of silence but also because it confirmed ongoing support for the games fans cherish. The message also highlighted collaboration between the remaining Turn 10 team and Playground Games, who lead the Horizon series, hinting at shared efforts ahead.
The Bigger Picture: Microsoft’s Gaming Restructuring
Turn 10 wasn’t the only studio affected. The layoffs hit multiple Microsoft gaming divisions hard. Raven Software, which supports the Call of Duty franchise, saw cuts. Sledgehammer Games, High Moon Studios, and King’s mobile division were also affected, with about 200 employees losing their jobs across these teams.
This restructuring is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to trim costs and refocus its gaming business, especially as the industry faces shifts in player habits, platform competition, and evolving technology demands.
What Lies Ahead for Forza Motorsport and Horizon 6
Despite the downsizing, there’s a silver lining. The surviving Turn 10 staff will reportedly focus more on collaborating with Playground Games on Forza Horizon 6, which is slated for a 2026 release. This collaboration could bring fresh energy to the franchise, combining the strengths of both studios.
The future of Forza Motorsport itself is less clear but not bleak. Microsoft’s public commitment to supporting the series suggests development will continue, even if at a different scale or pace. Forza fans can hope for updates and improvements, though details remain sparse.
The big question is how the studio will manage innovation and quality with fewer hands on deck. Will the streamlined team deliver the high-octane thrills Forza is known for? Time will tell.
