Dan Greenawalt, a founding figure and long-time director at Turn 10 Studios, has departed from Microsoft after a 27-year tenure. His exit follows the recent merger of Turn 10 with Playground Games, a move that was part of broader restructuring efforts within Xbox that led to significant layoffs and studio closures earlier this year.
In an internal memo to Playground Games staff, studio head Trevor Williams confirmed Greenawalt's departure. Williams expressed gratitude for Greenawalt's contributions over nearly three decades, highlighting his pivotal role in the development of titles from the original Xbox's Project Gotham Racing to the establishment of the Forza franchise. Greenawalt was a prominent face for the series, often appearing at industry events to showcase new vehicles.
The merger between Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios means the two development teams will now collaborate on both the Forza and Fable franchises. Turn 10 is known for its simulation-focused Forza Motorsport series, while Playground Games leads the more arcade-style Forza Horizon entries. The most recent Forza Motorsport, released in 2023, was lauded for its engaging driving mechanics and long-term appeal, offering a distinct experience from its Horizon counterpart.