Forza Horizon Co-Creator Trademarks Long-Awaited Forza Competitor
Gavin Raeburn, the former head of Forza Horizon developer Playground Games, is bringing his expertise to a new racing game competitor. After departing Playground Games in 2022, Raeburn founded Lighthouse Games in 2023 and has been developing an ambitious AAA racing title designed to challenge the dominance of Forza Horizon in the market.
The new studio has grown to over 100 developers and represents a significant effort to create what Raeburn has indicated could set new benchmarks for the racing game genre. In previous interviews, Raeburn has made clear that Forza Horizon is the primary target, with the team aiming to compete directly with one of gaming’s most successful racing franchises.
The revelation of a trademark filing provides the first concrete indication of the game’s branding and direction. Raeburn’s experience leading Forza Horizon—one of the most popular racing game franchises ever created—positions him and his team with considerable credibility in attempting to challenge the status quo. Forza Horizon’s continued prominence alongside other major franchises like Gran Turismo demonstrates the opportunity for a well-executed racing game to capture significant market share.
While details remain limited, Lighthouse Games’ ambition and Raeburn’s proven track record suggest this could be a significant competitive entry into the racing game space. The project represents not just a new game, but a challenge to the established dominance of existing racing franchises.