After a highly competitive first quarter in gaming, "Forza Horizon 3" finally overtook competition and becomes the best-selling game of 2017 so far. The racing game clinched the title after 2.5 million sales in February. The racing game managed to achieve this feat mainly due to the massive improvements it incorporated, and with the current wayward course of "Need for Speed" and "Gran Turismo".
What Pushed 'Forza Horizon 3' Ahead of the Race?
Playground games "Forza Horizon 3" got generally good reviews from game reviews and critics from all over the place.
IGN gives the game high marks, not due to the obvious graphics upgrade, but for the minute details like the movement of water droplets on the windshield when careening at high speed. Aside from this, the background is absolutely stunning. The natural lighting is perfect and adds a subtle fanfare that improves immersion.
Aside from the graphical improvements, the game also features a driving mechanic that is above other racing titles released recently. However, the only downside during its initial release was the lack of population in multiplayer, which was quickly resolved as the game gradually got traction. Because of this, "Forza Horizon 3" dominated the market in both console and PC and was able to become the best selling racing game of the year.
The Promising Future of the Franchise
In order to maintain this lead in racing game titles, developers Turn 10 Studios and Playground games are closely working hand-in-hand to catapult the franchise into new gaming territory. They would definitely add more levels, laps and hopefully a new country to race in. However, "Forza" developers are not in the clear yet as new installments of fan favorite racing titles namely "Need for Speed" and "Project Cars" are all revving their engines in the hopes to reclaiming the leading position as best racing game of the year.
"Project Cars 2" is schedules for release later this year and with the trailers now made public, fans are in treat of a Long beach racing track. Developer Slightly Mad are also focusing on the in-game aesthetics of the game, in which "Forza" have already spearheaded forward. "Need of Speed 2017" on the other hand will focus on multiplayer and online gaming. With the increasing popularity of esports today and the wide attention it gets from the gaming community, it is highly understandable for EA to pursue that path in gaming.
Finally the biggest name in car racing games, "Gran Turismo" will also showcase "GT Sports", which will also improve its online capability. 2017 is a great year for racing games and it will also show to fans what the next generation of games is in store for them.
