Two racing studios become one

Microsoft is merging Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios into a single team focused on Forza Horizon and Fable. The studios have worked together for over a decade.

“These two studios have been technological, creative, and franchise partners for over a decade, and today's changes will formally move their work into one team.”

Turn 10 Studios closes down

Turn 10 Studios, creator of Forza Motorsport, is being shut down as part of the merger. The studio had already laid off more than 70 people last year.

Forza Motorsport's future unclear

The closure of Turn 10 Studios leaves big questions about whether Microsoft will continue Forza Motorsport or focus exclusively on Forza Horizon instead.

Part of Xbox's larger reset

The Forza merger is one piece of a massive Xbox reorganization. Activision is taking over Halo, while Rare and World's Edge are being reassigned to new franchises.

Remaining staff moves to Playground

Turn 10 employees who survived last year's layoffs will now join Playground Games to work on Forza Horizon and Fable development.