Forza Horizon 2
News, coverage and analysis tracking Forza Horizon 2 across the outlets.
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Xbox CEO: We Must Rely On The Past, But We Cannot Rely On The Past
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma emphasized the need for Microsoft's gaming division to balance reliance on major franchises with the creation of new intellectual property for long-term survival. While acknowledging the importance of established titles like Halo and Gears of War, Sharma stressed that innovation and new IP are crucial to reaching new audiences and preventing stagnation.
Xbox is “Not For Sale”, Will Take Long-Term View With Microsoft, Says CEO
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has stated that the division is not for sale, despite recent layoffs and studio divestments. Sharma acknowledged that Xbox has a long way to go with Microsoft and will take a long-term view for growth. The company is restructuring, consolidating studios, and divesting some, while also discussing the future of Arkane Lyon and merging teams like Turn 10 Studios with Playground Games.
Xbox is Avoiding its Layoff Target of 1,600 More Cuts by End of Fiscal Year – Rumor
A report suggests Xbox will miss its target of 1,600 layoffs by restructuring divisions and divesting studios instead. Companies like Double Fine, Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, and Compulsion Games are becoming independent or being sold. This comes after 268 roles were eliminated, with further consolidation and potential studio closures, including Ninja Theory, being discussed.
What Is Xbox Game Studios At This Point?
Recent changes and layoffs within Xbox have led to a significant restructuring of its studios, questioning the identity and purpose of the 'Xbox Game Studios' brand. With only four studios remaining under its direct banner and others absorbed into Bethesda or Activision Blizzard, the publisher's internal structure has become complex and its future branding uncertain.
Forza series studios Turn 10 & Playground Games to merge following Xbox layoffs
Following recent Xbox layoffs, Forza Motorsport developer Turn 10 Studios and Forza Horizon/Fable developer Playground Games are merging into a single entity. Both studios will continue to work on their respective franchises and the upcoming Fable game. This organizational change was announced by Xbox Chief Content Officer Phil Spencer.
Call Of Duty creators Activision to make next Halo game as Xbox confirm layoffs
Microsoft has confirmed significant layoffs and studio restructuring within its Xbox division, including the closure of Ninja Theory. Activision will now develop the next Halo game, while 343 Industries will focus on supporting existing titles. This move comes amidst broader industry trends of layoffs and consolidation, with other studios like Rare and Bethesda also undergoing shifts in oversight.
Xbox’s Forza Studios Have Been Tag-Teaming For Years. Now They’re Becoming One
Microsoft's Xbox division is merging its Forza developers, Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios, into a single entity after years of collaboration. This move formalizes their partnership, with both studios having a long history of developing titles in the Forza series and other franchises like Fable. The announcement comes amidst broader job cuts within Xbox, raising concerns about potential layoffs at the newly merged studio.
Activision prepares to "make the greatest Halo game ever" as it takes control of the franchise from Halo…
Xbox has announced a significant restructuring of its first-party studios, transferring stewardship of the Halo franchise from 343 Industries to Activision Blizzard. Rare and World's Edge will also operate under Activision Blizzard, impacting franchises like Sea of Thieves and Age of Empires. This move involves substantial layoffs and a new team being assembled to develop the next Halo game, with a stated goal to "make the greatest Halo game ever."
Fable “Was All We Could Think About,” Says Playground Co-Founder After Xbox Proposed New Title
Playground Games co-founder Ralph Fulton explains the studio's decision to develop Fable, a fantasy action RPG, despite their success with the racing series Forza Horizon. Fulton states that the opportunity to work on Fable was compelling and that the team leveraged transferable skills from open-world design. The game is slated for release on February 23rd, 2027, for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
After Forza Horizon, Fable devs wanted to prove "we could cut it in a different genre," lead says: "There…
Playground Games, known for the Forza Horizon series, is developing the upcoming Fable title, aiming to prove their capability in a different genre. Studio co-founder Ralph Fulton highlighted that the open-world nature of Fable allows them to leverage transferable skills from their racing game experience. The team's passion for the Fable franchise was a significant factor in their decision to take on the project.
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.