Revving Up: Xbox Unites Forza Developers in Mega Studio Merger

Microsoft Consolidates Forza Studios, Focuses on Forza Horizon and Fable

In a strategic move, Microsoft has merged its two acclaimed Forza developers, Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios, into a single studio. This restructuring is part of a broader initiative within Xbox to streamline operations and focus on key franchises.

According to Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty, the newly unified studio will concentrate on the development of Forza Horizon and Fable. He emphasized the longstanding partnership and expertise shared between Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios, highlighting their seamless transition into a single collaborative team.

The decision to merge the studios raises questions about the fate of Forza Motorsport. With the closure of Turn 10 Studios, there is uncertainty surrounding the future of the franchise, prompting speculation on whether Microsoft will prioritize Forza Horizon over Forza Motorsport.

Last year, more than 70 employees at Turn 10 Studios were laid off, signaling a significant shift within the organization. The remaining team members, who have been primarily maintaining Forza Motorsport, will now transition to Playground Games to contribute to the development of Forza Horizon and Fable.

The consolidation of Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios is part of a broader reorganization within Xbox. Activision will now oversee the Halo franchise, while Rare and World’s Edge, known for Sea of Thieves and Age of Empires respectively, will also play key roles in the evolving Xbox landscape. For more details on the latest developments in the Xbox ecosystem, click here.