‘Forza Motorsport 8’ release date: Why fans should not expect it to launch with Xbox Series X this year

The announcement of “Forza Motorsport 8” was one of the most anticipated things during the Xbox Games Showcase last month. While fans finally got confirmation it is in the pipeline, the unveiling of its first teaser has led to more unanswered questions including its release date.

‘Forza Motorsport 8’ possible release date

Since “Forza Motorsport 8” is a video game IP under Microsoft’s wing, many fans thought it was planned as a launch title for the next-generation console Xbox Series X. Ironically, the manner of the next game’s announcement seemingly hinted that it would not be released with the new gaming hardware.

The announcement of “Forza Motorsport 8” was conducted with the release of a one-minute trailer. The fact that it did not mention anything about the racing video game’s release window halfway through the year likely means it is not going to be launched in 2020.

The next pertinent question would be if “Forza Motorsport 8” is getting released in 2021. Unfortunately, other clues are indicating that even next year is an unlikely release window for the game. In an Xbox Wire post announcing the “Forza” franchise arriving in Xbox Series X, Microsoft also confirmed that the game is still in “early development.”

Early development usually means it would take some years before work on a certain game is completed. Also, considering that the “Forza Motorsport 8” trailer did not contain any actual gameplay footage adds weight to the possibility that it could two or more years before the game is released. For now, fans will have to be satisfied with the fact that the release of the next title is confirmed.

‘Forza Motorsport 8’ gameplay

Another interesting thing about the announcement of “Forza Motorsport 8” is the emphasis that Microsoft gave in describing it as the result of “reimagining of the series.” This may explain why the developers have dropped the numbering scheme for the next game as it would be officially called “Forza Motorsport.”

How this reimagining would manifest in the gameplay is still unclear, though. What Microsoft confirmed is that the “Forza Motorsport” will maximize the new tech available in the Xbox Series X including ray tracing and the option to play the game in 4K@60fps.