《下架的开放世界竞速游戏恢复在线功能》

Forza Horizon 3 Online: Still Running Strong, Despite Delisting

Despite being removed from sale in 2020, Forza Horizon 3's online services remain active, much to the delight of players. A recent community manager statement confirmed server restarts following player reports of inaccessible features, showcasing Playground Games' ongoing commitment to online functionality. This is a welcome contrast to the fate of Forza Horizon and Forza Horizon 2, whose online services were shut down after delisting.

The Forza franchise, launched in 2005 with Forza Motorsport, has seen continued success, culminating in the highly popular Forza Horizon 5. Released in 2021, Forza Horizon 5 recently surpassed 40 million players, solidifying its place as one of Xbox's most successful titles. Its omission from the Best Ongoing Game category at The Game Awards 2024 sparked some debate, but the game's extensive post-launch content and updates, including the Hide and Seek mode, speak for themselves.

A Reddit thread expressing concern over the potential end of Forza Horizon 3's online services prompted a reassuring response from Playground Games. A senior community manager addressed player concerns about inaccessible features, confirming server maintenance and restoring online functionality. While Forza Horizon 3 reached its "End of Life" status in 2020, meaning it's no longer available for purchase, its online component continues to thrive.

The Delisting of Forza Horizon 4 and the Success of Forza Horizon 5

The delisting of Forza Horizon 4 in December 2024, despite its impressive 24 million player base (since its 2018 launch), served as a stark reminder of the transient nature of digital game availability. However, Playground Games' swift and positive response to the Forza Horizon 3 situation demonstrates a clear commitment to player satisfaction and community engagement. The increased online traffic following the server reboot further underscores this commitment.

Forza Horizon 5's remarkable achievement of over 40 million players since its 2021 launch highlights the enduring appeal of the franchise. This success fuels anticipation for Forza Horizon 6, with many fans hoping for a long-requested Japan setting. While Playground Games is currently focused on Fable, the possibility of a Japanese setting for the next Horizon title remains a tantalizing prospect for fans.