Microsoft's Gaming Shake-Up: The End of a Legendary Racing Franchise

Ethan James 06 Jul 2025

Recent upheavals at Microsoft have sparked significant changes among its gaming divisions, with thousands of employees departing and major restructuring taking place. These events have led to notable shifts in the development teams behind some of the industry’s most popular titles.

A former Turn 10 developer revealed that the division responsible for the acclaimed racing series has been completely disbanded. The individual, who once coordinated content at the studio, expressed deep regret over the loss, emphasizing the immense value of the work his team had contributed over the years.

He noted that the studio’s department dedicated to the renowned racing title has been permanently closed. This marks a heartbreaking moment for a series once celebrated as one of the finest in its genre.

It appears that Turn 10 is now primarily serving as an auxiliary studio, lending support to a British developer known for significantly expanding their own racing franchise. This transition aligns with industry insiders’ observations regarding the evolving roles within Microsoft’s game development ecosystem.

The roots of the racing series date back to 2005 when it made its debut on the original gaming console, positioning itself as a competitor to other iconic racing franchises. Initially embraced by fans as the superior choice, its standing began to diminish following the release of its sixth installment in 2015, as subsequent versions received a mixed response from enthusiasts.

After a six-year hiatus, the franchise returned in 2023 without a numerical designation, symbolizing a reboot of sorts. However, this revival failed to recapture the acclaim of earlier entries, drawing unfavorable comparisons with contemporaries in the genre, and leaving the long-term future of the simulation racing category unresolved.

• Massive workforce reductions at Microsoft contributed to these changes.
• The entire team behind the premium racing series has been dissolved.
• Turn 10 now functions mainly as a support studio for another racing series developer.
• The franchise experienced a notable decline after its peak popularity.
• The recent relaunch did not meet the expectations set by competing titles.

The evolving landscape raises questions about potential future reboots or even a shift away from the simulation racing genre under Microsoft’s oversight. Only time will reveal how the industry and its dedicated fan base will adjust to these transformations.