Forza Horizon 2
News, coverage and analysis tracking Forza Horizon 2 across the outlets.
The Crew Motorfest Is Making Its Way To The Switch 2 on October 8thUbisoft 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 CutsMicrosoft'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.
The Xbox reset is not going to work if it’s just a retreat to the pastMicrosoft'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 cuts 3,200 staff as four studios to exit Microsoft – Arkane under reviewMicrosoft 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 thinClutch, 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.- The Crew Motorfest Crosses 10 Million Copies SoldUbisoft announced that The Crew Motorfest has surpassed 10 million players. The racing title, which has received new content and praise for its open-world design, is seen as a success for the publisher. This milestone comes ahead of the release of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced.
- Forza’s Horizon Festival Is Hell On EarthThis article argues that the premise of the Forza Horizon series, a global car festival, is inherently absurd and makes no logical sense when examined closely. It suggests that the festival's destructive nature and disregard for local populations can only be explained by billionaire sponsorship for their own entertainment, likening it to a dystopian event.
Xbox’s Biggest Problems May Still Be AheadXbox is facing significant internal challenges despite a recent showcase of upcoming games like Gears of War: E-Day. CEO Asha Sharma admitted to substantial financial losses and poor investment returns over the past five years, citing issues with funding franchises and inadequate infrastructure. Reports suggest impending layoffs and potential restructuring, including spinning off Xbox as a subsidiary or forming joint ventures, as Microsoft seeks to make its gaming division a sustainable business.- Clutch Preview: If You Liked Brad Pitt’s F1, This Might Be the Game for YouClutch is a new open-world driving game from Mike Brown, a designer known for Forza Horizon. The game will feature familiar racing, driving, and drifting mechanics, aiming for a cinematic flair.
Games Inbox: What is happening to Xbox and can it recover?Readers express significant concern over the future of Xbox, citing massive layoffs, studio closures, and a perceived lack of direction from Microsoft. There is widespread pessimism about Xbox's ability to recover from its current struggles, with some suggesting it's past the point of no return. The discussion also touches on other gaming news, including the upcoming release of Forgotlings, the secrecy surrounding the Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, and opinions on Grand Theft Auto 5's themes.
Xbox Game Studios Head Craig Duncan Has Stepped Down – RumorXbox Game Studios head Craig Duncan and chief of staff Louise O’Connor have reportedly stepped down. Duncan stated in an email that his purpose was to serve the studios and teams, and he is proud of the launches achieved during his 20-month tenure. Matt Booty is expected to oversee Xbox Game Studios in the interim, amidst rumors of further layoffs and potential studio closures at Xbox.
Opinion: I'm So Glad Racing Games Are Finally Getting Interesting AgainThe author expresses a desire for more diversity in racing games, feeling that the genre has become stagnant with an overabundance of simulations and open-world titles. Recent and upcoming games like Hot Wheels Unleashed, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, Screamer, and Clutch are highlighted as examples of the genre diversifying with more arcade-focused, unique, or experimental approaches.
Valve's latest SteamOS beta provides better Intel hardware compatibility — and that's great news for…Valve's latest SteamOS beta update, version 3.8.8, introduces improved hardware compatibility for Intel platforms, benefiting upcoming handhelds like the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, OneXPlayer 3, and Acer Predator Atlas 8. This update aims to enhance performance and user experience on Intel-based devices running SteamOS, addressing previous performance gaps compared to Windows 11.
Games Inbox: When will the Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake be shown again?Readers discuss the Nintendo Switch 2's launch lineup and pricing, with some hoping for a The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake to justify a purchase. Other topics include the definition of 'roguelike' and 'roguelite' games, and potential new business models for consoles, such as installment payments.
Clutch Blends Both Forza Horizon And Motorsport With A Dash Of Fast & FuriousClutch, developed by Maverick Games, a studio founded by former Playground Games developers, blends track and street racing elements reminiscent of both Forza Horizon and Forza Motorsport. The game features a narrative involving siblings competing in the R1K tournament along the French Riviera, getting entangled in the racing scene's underbelly. Clutch is set for release in 2027 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Clutch Blends Both Forza Horizon And Motorsport With A Dash Of Fast & FuriousClutch is a narrative-focused racing game developed by former Forza Horizon developers, aiming to blend elements of both Forza Horizon and Forza Motorsport with a Fast & Furious-like flair. The game is slated for release on June 30, 2027, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X.
Gears Of War: E-Day will not be on PS5 as Xbox go nuts bringing back exclusivesXbox Game Studios announced that Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution will be console exclusives for Xbox Series X/S and PC, with Gears of War: E-Day releasing on October 6. This decision, which contrasts with other titles like Halo and Fable remaining multiplatform, has surprised many given the PlayStation 5's larger market share.
Maverick Games reveals Clutch, an open-world racer set in the rather gorgeous-looking French RivieraMaverick Games revealed Clutch, an open-world action-driving game set in the French Riviera, headed by former Forza Horizon creative director Mike Brown. The game will launch in Spring 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, featuring a large rendition of Monaco and surrounding areas.
Ex-Forza Horizon Devs Bring Story-Focused Racer 'Clutch' to PS5 Next YearFormer Forza Horizon developers have formed a new studio called Maverick and announced their debut title, Clutch. This cinematic, open-world action driving game features a story written by Jamie Brittain and is set to launch on PlayStation 5 in Spring 2027. The game will also incorporate grappling hooks into its gameplay.