The highly anticipated Forza Motorsport is set to launch without its sought-after split screen capability. Details emerged during a recent session of Forza Monthly, where the game’s Creative Director, Chris Esaki, opened up about the upcoming version’s feature list.
Central to the game’s novelty is the Featured Multiplayer mode. Designed to mirror the adrenaline of timed weekend races, this mode won’t, however, support fan-favorites like spectating or AI races. Esaki was candid about the team’s intent for this mode, suggesting that allowing players to merely spectate or race alongside AI would dilute the immersive racing experience they are aiming to deliver. Moreover, the unpredictable impact of AI races on safety ratings further motivated this decision.
One of the most unexpected revelations was the challenge posed by the game’s revamped visuals and rendering system. This extensive upgrade, while likely to dazzle players, made it notably difficult for the team to incorporate split screen.
Speculation has since arisen in gaming circles, drawing parallels between Turn 10’s challenges and those previously encountered by Larian Studios with Baldur’s Gate 3. There’s growing curiosity about whether the Xbox Series S, known for its scaled-down capabilities compared to its sibling, the Xbox Series X, could be a limiting factor in rendering split-screen gameplay.
Racing fans marking their calendars should gear up for October 10th, the confirmed launch date for Forza Motorsport. Fans attending Gamescom should note, however, that both Forza and another blockbuster, Starfield, will be showcased in a hands-off format. This approach ensures that the game’s first full experience remains reserved for its official release.