Microsoft's Forza Motorsport Developer Layoffs Hit Hard in Xbox Cuts
Forza Motorsport developer layoffs are making headlines after Microsoft announced massive company-wide job cuts, affecting up to 9,000 employees. Among the hardest hit is Turn 10 Studios, the team behind the iconic Forza Motorsport franchise. According to insider sources, more than 70 developers at Turn 10 have been let go, significantly impacting the studio's operations. This major move has sparked questions from fans and industry insiders about the future of the beloved racing game series.
Impact of Microsoft Cuts on Forza Motorsport Developer
The layoffs were reportedly delivered during a call with Microsoft HR and are affecting the “vast majority” of Turn 10’s team. While the studio isn’t shutting down entirely, only a small group remains to keep Forza Motorsport up and running. Microsoft has yet to provide a public comment on the future of Turn 10’s game development. Players are understandably concerned about future updates and the longevity of the franchise, especially since Turn 10 has been a core part of Xbox Game Studios' racing lineup.
Wider Fallout from Xbox Game Studio Layoffs
Turn 10 isn’t the only studio facing cuts. Other Xbox-owned developers, including Rare, Zenimax Online Studios, and even King (of Candy Crush fame), have all been affected. Rare has officially canceled Everwild, while Zenimax scrapped a new MMORPG project. Perhaps most shocking, Microsoft is also discontinuing development on the anticipated Perfect Dark reboot, despite showcasing it just last year. These decisions reflect a broader shakeup in Microsoft’s gaming division as it prioritizes "strategic growth areas."
What’s Next for Turn 10 and Xbox Games?
In a memo, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer cited the need for agility and long-term success as reasons behind the restructuring. But many fans are wondering what this means for ongoing game support, especially for titles like Forza Motorsport. With the Forza community relying heavily on regular updates and support, these Forza Motorsport developer layoffs could signal a slower development cycle or even a shift in focus for Turn 10. Microsoft’s gaming future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: this is a pivotal moment for Xbox Game Studios.
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