Xbox merges Forza developers Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios into single team

Microsoft is consolidating its Forza development teams, merging Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios into a single studio focused on the Forza and Fable franchises.

"Playground and Turn 10 will come together as one studio focused on the Forza and Fable franchises," said Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty in a memo. "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."

Playground Games develops Forza Horizon, while Turn 10 Studios created Forza Motorsport. The merger raises questions about the future of Forza Motorsport, particularly whether Microsoft will continue supporting the simulation racing franchise or shift focus entirely to Forza Horizon.

Turn 10 Studios has faced significant challenges in recent years. More than 70 staff members were laid off last year, affecting the vast majority of the studio. Over the past year, the remaining team has primarily maintained Forza Motorsport rather than developing new content.

The Forza studio consolidation is part of a larger Xbox reorganization announced today. Activision is taking control of the Halo franchise alongside Rare, developer of Sea of Thieves, and World's Edge, which creates Age of Empires titles.