Does Forza Motorsport Have Split Screen? Answered

For fans of the Forza franchise, local multiplayer modes like split-screen couch co-op have been a staple in previous games. With the release of the eighth installment, Forza Motorsport, there is curiosity about whether this beloved feature remains. This reboot introduces a fresh experience, featuring a new career mode, an impressive roster of cars, and captivating tracks. However, what about the cherished split-screen experience? Will you be able to play Forza Motorsport in a split-screen mode?

Can You Play Forza Motorsport Split-Screen?

(Updated on August 28, 2024 – updated links and format)

Forza Motorsport doesn’t have a split-screen co-op multiplayer feature at launch. Initially, developers did plan to make Forza Motorsport co-op multiplayer ready. However, it has been postponed. For now, there is no definite timeline in sight.

Why Forza Motorsport Doesn’t Have Split-Screen Multiplayer At Launch

The focus on improving graphics for Forza Motorsport on the latest console generation created obstacles for introducing the co-op multiplayer at launch. Creative director Chris Esaki revealed that a significant overhaul of the game engine made it challenging to implement split-screen.

The difference between the Xbox Series X and the less powerful Xbox Series S made implementing the split-screen option a heavy task. This could have made it difficult to ensure a smooth split-screen experience on both consoles or perhaps it just wasn’t possible to implement at launch on either console.

On the other hand, in an interview with Eurogamer, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer addressed the exclusion of the option in the latest Forza Motorsport, saying,

Forza Motorsport was never intended to have the feature. This decision was based on usage and where the team wanted to allocate development resources.

Spencer emphasized that the decision to exclude the co-op multiplayer was made to prioritize other aspects of the game. These were seen as more important, and recognizing that the split-screen feature wasn’t used much by players. Additionally, two other features, AI racers in multiplayer and Spectator Mode, are also absent from Forza Motorsport.

Will Forza Motorsport Have Split Screen Multiplayer?

The split-screen multiplayer has been one of the core features of racing games. With other competitors still offering this beloved option, Forza Motorsport split-screen is not officially dead. As the game receives updates, the split-screen may come back to the beloved series. If you have a hard time grasping the content shared, here is a summarized version:

Forza Motorsport lacks split-screen multiplayer at launch, with no confirmed return date.
The emphasis on graphics and differences between Xbox Series X and Series S posed challenges for split-screen.
Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer explained that resource allocation favored other game aspects due to limited player engagement with split-screen.