Former Forza Horizon Developer Reflects on the Impact of COVID-19 and the Evolution of the Racing Genre
In a recent interview, former Forza Horizon developer Gavin Raeburn shared insights into his new racing game project, Lighthouse Games, and his thoughts on the development of Forza Horizon 5 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Raeburn emphasizes the importance of teamwork and the challenges of remote work, highlighting how the pandemic influenced the Horizon 5 development process.
Raeburn explains that before the pandemic, the team at Playground Games was focused on developing Fable. However, the sudden shift to remote work due to COVID-19 required the team to prioritize Horizon 5. He acknowledges the difficulties of managing a dispersed team, comparing it to a 'dismembered body' where individual components function well but lack the cohesive force of a unified whole.
Now, at Lighthouse Games, Raeburn is leading a new team in creating a racing game that aims to stand out in the genre. He emphasizes the importance of innovation and the risks associated with starting fresh, especially with a new intellectual property (IP). Raeburn believes that established brands often face resistance to change, as they are profitable and well-known. He highlights the excitement of pushing boundaries and exploring new directions in racing and driving games.
The interview also mentions the formation of Lighthouse Games and its connection to the racing game industry. Raeburn's previous work on Forza Horizon and the involvement of former racing developers in the creation of the game are noted. Additionally, the article mentions the emergence of other racing game studios, such as Maverick Games, and the anticipation surrounding their upcoming projects.
Raeburn's reflections on the impact of COVID-19 and the evolution of the racing genre offer a fascinating perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by game developers during a period of rapid change. The interview invites readers to discuss their thoughts and opinions on the topic, encouraging an engaging conversation about the future of racing games.
