Full Breakdown
Xbox Merges Forza Studios Amid Broad Xbox Reorganization
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Consolidation
Microsoft announced that its two Forza development teams—Playground Games, the creator of *Forza Horizon*, and Turn 10 Studios, the studio behind *Forza Motorsport*—are being combined into a single studio. The move is presented as a step toward unifying work on the Forza and Fable franchises under one organizational umbrella.
Background and Recent Changes
The restructuring follows a year-long series of cuts at Turn 10 Studios, during which more than 70 employees were laid off, leaving the studio primarily focused on maintaining the *Forza Motorsport* series. The merger comes as part of a larger Xbox reorganization that also reassigns the Halo franchise to Activision and groups Rare and World's Edge (developers of *Sea of Thieves* and *Age of Empires*) together.
Official Statement
The memo indicates that remaining Turn 10 staff will transition to Playground Games to continue work on *Forza Horizon* and upcoming Fable titles.
Impact on Forza Franchises
The closure of Turn 10 raises uncertainty about the future of the *Forza Motorsport* series. While the merged studio will continue supporting the Horizon open-world games, Microsoft has not confirmed whether it will revive or permanently discontinue the Motorsport line. Analysts note that concentrating resources on Horizon and Fable could streamline development but may leave fans of the simulation-focused Motorsport titles without a clear roadmap.
Data Summary
- Turn 10 layoffs: >70 staff members in the past year.
- Studios merged: Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios.
- Additional Xbox reorg moves: Halo to Activision; Rare and World's Edge grouped together.
The consolidation reflects Microsoft’s broader strategy to streamline its first-party studios and focus on flagship IPs within the Xbox ecosystem.