Forza Horizon 2
News, coverage and analysis tracking Forza Horizon 2 across the outlets.
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Fable “Protected” From Xbox’s Mass Layoffs Because It’s “Vital to the Platform’s DNA”
Playground Games' Fable has been protected from Xbox's mass layoffs due to its perceived importance to the platform's identity. Game director Ralph Fulton stated that the long-anticipated title is considered vital to the DNA of Xbox and gaming as a whole. The game is slated for release on February 23rd, 2027, for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Hot Wheels Infinite Rush review – boy racer
Hot Wheels Infinite Rush is a peculiar attempt at a family-friendly open-world racer inspired by Forza Horizon, but it suffers from a muddled identity and a lack of unique attractions. While the driving is competent and the visuals are decent, the game fails to fully leverage the Hot Wheels license, making it too basic for serious fans and too finicky for younger players.
Hot Wheels Infinite Rush (PS5) Review: Fun Arcade Racing
Hot Wheels Infinite Rush offers fun arcade racing gameplay on four unlockable islands, building on the success of Milestone's previous Hot Wheels titles. While the racing mechanics are solid and there are many cars to unlock, the open world lacks the charm of its predecessors and could benefit from more varied activities.
Maverick Games partners with Focus Entertainment to publish debut racing title Clutch
Maverick Games has partnered with Focus Entertainment to publish its debut open-world racing title, Clutch, set for a Spring 2027 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. This deal follows Maverick's earlier publishing agreement with Amazon Game Studios, which was terminated earlier this year. Focus Entertainment aims to establish Clutch as a major new racing IP.
7 Cheaper Alternatives For Popular Games
This article highlights several games that offer similar experiences to more expensive, popular titles at a lower price point. It features recommendations like Another Crab's Treasure as a souls-like alternative, Cassette Beasts for Pokemon fans, and The Crew 2 for racing enthusiasts. Other suggestions include RoboCop: Rogue City for FPS campaigns, Neon White as a Doom-like experience, Kena: Bridge of Spirits for action-adventure fans, and The Ascent as a cyberpunk alternative to Cyberpunk 2077.
'Deck de France' is a new free software that can turn your bike trainer into a controller for your Steam Deck
A new free software called Deck de France allows users to turn compatible smart bike trainers into controllers for PC games, including titles like Rocket League, Forza Horizon, and Grand Theft Auto. The application translates pedaling power into in-game actions, such as acceleration or boost, and is compatible with any Linux PC, though it has been demonstrated working with the Steam Deck.
Why does nobody like racing video games anymore? - Reader's Feature
A reader explores the decline of the racing game genre, noting the shift from popular arcade titles like Need For Speed and Burnout to more niche simulators. While Forza Horizon remains a success, the author questions why the genre has lost mainstream appeal, suggesting it may be overshadowed by open-world games or a general lack of innovation.
Fable Has Gone “Uncomfortably” Over Budget – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Playground Games' upcoming title, Fable, has significantly exceeded its development budget. While specific figures are unknown, the high cost is attributed to the game's scale, extensive content, and long development cycle. The game is slated for release on February 23rd, 2027, for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Console Gamers Bring Sharp Instincts to Their First Real-Money Slot Gameplay
Console gamers often misunderstand real-money slot gameplay due to ingrained instincts from video games, which have skill layers absent in slots. While both involve randomness, slots are designed for the operator's profit, unlike games where player skill influences outcomes. Understanding concepts like Return-to-Player (RTP) and volatility is crucial, similar to reading game specifications, as slots offer no skill-based advantage.
Ex-Forza Horizon Director Traces a Line From the Failure of 'Well-Meaning' Game Pass to the Current Xbox Layoffs
A former Forza Horizon developer suggests that recent Xbox layoffs and studio closures are a direct consequence of Game Pass failing to meet Microsoft's subscriber targets. This shortfall allegedly led to unsustainable spending on content, resulting in the current restructuring.
A superb open world racing game is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, finally giving us a proper Forza Horizon alternative
Ubisoft has announced that The Crew Motorfest will be released on Nintendo Switch 2 on October 8, 2026, with both digital and physical editions planned. This open-world racing game, set in a recreation of Hawaii, is seen as a potential alternative to the Forza Horizon series for the platform. The article also briefly mentions Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced and other racing titles available on the console.
Xbox After The Layoffs: Studios Left And What They’re Making
Xbox has undergone significant restructuring, including layoffs and the divestment of five studios, as it aims to increase profitability and focus on major intellectual properties. This shake-up impacts numerous development teams and projects across Xbox Game Studios, Activision, Blizzard, and Bethesda, with a renewed focus on core franchises and a shift in business strategies like the exclusion of Call of Duty from Xbox Game Pass day-one launches.
The Crew Motorfest Is Making Its Way To The Switch 2 on October 8th
Ubisoft announced that The Crew Motorfest will be released on the Nintendo Switch 2 on October 8th. The game has surpassed 10 million players and will receive updates and improvements for its launch on the new platform. The Crew Motorfest is described as an arcade racer comparable to the Forza Horizon franchise.
Some Of The Most Impressive Gaming Tech Ever Wasn’t Enough To Save Devs From Xbox Cuts
Microsoft's recent layoffs at id Software have raised concerns about the future of its proprietary id Tech engine, with reports indicating a significant portion of the studio's coding talent was let go. This follows a trend of major studios, including 343 Industries and potentially MachineGames, moving away from internal engines towards Unreal Engine, potentially hindering technological innovation in the gaming industry.
Xbox has lost five studios – so who is left to make new video games?
Xbox has undergone significant layoffs, impacting approximately 3,200 staff members and leading to five studios divesting from the company. Xbox leadership aims to refocus on core franchises and expand its daily audience to over a billion people through its services. The article details the remaining studios, their current projects, and their future prospects under this new strategy.
The Xbox reset is not going to work if it’s just a retreat to the past
Microsoft's Xbox division continues to face significant challenges, marked by recurring mass layoffs and declining results. Despite the high volume of job cuts and studio closures, the company's future strategy remains unclear, with speculation that new leadership may be attempting to revert to past successes rather than innovate. The article questions the sustainability of this approach, especially concerning hardware sales and the exclusivity of major franchises like The Elder Scrolls 6.
Xbox Layoffs 2026: What Microsoft's Reset Means for Average Gamers
Microsoft's Xbox division has undergone a massive restructuring, cutting approximately 3,200 jobs in fiscal year 2027 and shuttering or spinning off five studios, including Ninja Theory and Arkane Lyon. This move comes despite Microsoft's overall profitability, with Xbox reportedly struggling with low profit margins and a failed attempt to achieve a 30% accountability margin. The article analyzes the business decisions, including Game Pass accounting and price hikes, that led to these layoffs and discusses the implications for gamers, including potential changes to hardware strategy and game exclusivity.
Xbox cuts 3,200 staff as four studios to exit Microsoft – Arkane under review
Microsoft has announced significant layoffs affecting approximately 3,200 employees within its Xbox division, with 1,600 staff being let go immediately. Four studios, including Ninja Theory and Undead Labs, are becoming independent or being sold off, while Arkane Lyon's future is under review. This restructuring follows a period of rapid developer acquisitions and aims to refocus Xbox's business strategy.
Playground Games says Fable uses the same engine as Forza Horizon with 'a ton of additional technology on top' — 'Using that base for Fable is just a match made in heaven'
Playground Games has confirmed that the upcoming Fable title utilizes the same engine as the Forza Horizon series, with significant additional technology built on top. Associate game director Craig Littler stated that the engine's capabilities in high-fidelity graphics and world streaming make it an ideal foundation for Fable. The original creator of Fable, Peter Molyneux, is not involved in the development of this new installment.
Clutch doesn't look like just a Forza Horizon clone, judging by its first lengthy livestream, though I'm concerned it might spread itself too thin
Clutch, the debut racer from Maverick Games, aims to blend multiple driving game styles, including elements from Forza Horizon, Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit, and Grid. The game features exotic locales, car collection, tech-laden heists, and track-oriented racing, all presented with a narrative driven by sibling protagonists. While ambitious, there's concern that Clutch might spread itself too thin by trying to emulate too many different types of racing games.
