Today, we are also embarking on a new adventure to bring the classic role-playing experience Fable to a new audience. To realise that vision, we’re bringing together some of the most talented developers from the UK and abroad to build a collaborative and passionate team that believes in creativity, innovation, and having fun along the way. Every role is vital to our shared success, from our coders and concept artists to QA and Operations.
Our Story
Established at Rossmore House
Back in 2010, Playground Games was established at Rossmore House in Leamington Spa.
Forza Horizon Released
In 2012, Playground Games released Forza Horizon, an action racing game set on the epic open roads of Colorado with a thrilling music festival backdrop. Combining stunning graphics and cutting-edge music with legendary Forza authenticity and a superb collection of cars to drive, Forza Horizon was an open-world automotive playground that put a spotlight on speed, style, and the freedom of the open road.
Forza Horizon 2 released
Forza Horizon 2 was our first title for Xbox One, winning 23 different ‘Best Of’ awards and earning universal critical acclaim. Race through a massive wide-open world featuring dramatic weather and day to night cycles. Instantly connect with friends in the ultimate celebration of speed, style, and action-packed driving. Explore beautiful and exotic locations in more than 200 of the world’s greatest cars, all created with precise detail in 1080p.
Forza Horizon 3 released
Forza Horizon 3 was our second title for Xbox One, and first for Windows 10 PC with Xbox Play Anywhere. Winning over 40 ‘Best of’ awards at E3 2016, including a Game Critics Award, Forza Horizon 3 was Playground’s most acclaimed title to date.
Second Studio at St Albans House opens
In 2018, we opened our second PG studio at St Albans House, just walking distance from our original Rossmore House studio.
Acquired by Microsoft
In 2018, Playground Games was acquired by Microsoft, and this news was announced at the annual E3 event in Los Angeles.
Forza Horizon 4 released
In 2018, Forza Horizon 4 became our latest title in the award-winning Forza Horizon series, launching worldwide on Xbox One, Windows 10 and Xbox Game Pass as an Xbox Play Anywhere title. This highly anticipated follow-up to 2016’s breakout hit Forza Horizon 3 brought players dynamic seasons in a shared open-world that changed every week. Players experienced beautiful, historic Britain in spectacular native 4K and HDR and could collect over 450 cars.
Fable Announced
Playground Games was proud to announce Fable during the Xbox Showcase in 2020.
Forza Horizon 5 released
In November 2021, Forza Horizon 5 was released. Players were invited to explore the vibrant and ever-evolving open world landscapes of Mexico with limitless, fun driving action in hundreds of the world’s greatest cars.
Forza Horizon 5 Awards
Forza Horizon 5 wins ‘Racing Game of the Year’ at 25th Annual DICE Awards Forza Horizon 5 wins ‘British Game’ at the 18th British Academy Games Awards
Third Studio at 6 Dormer Place opens
In 2024, Playground Games opened its third studio at 6 Dormer Place in Leamington.
Forza Horizon 5 Comes to PlayStation 5
The Horizon Festival Welcomes a New Community of Players.
Forza Horizon 6 Announced
Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Japan and become a racing Legend at the Horizon Festival. Play day one with Game Pass Coming 2026
Creators of world class games
See our gamesAt Playground Games, we pride ourselves on being straightforward and authentic, where excellence isn’t something we aim for but achieve every day. We’re a collective of artists, engineers, storytellers and gamers who share an unwavering commitment to crafting exceptional titles and where everyone matters.
Whether it’s freewheeling adventures on four wheels through extreme terrain or battling fantastical creatures on epic moral quests, Playground brings together craft, passion and extraordinary talent to create genre-defining experiences for the global games community.
Located in the centre of England, Royal Leamington Spa has grown significantly in recent years to become one of the major hubs of the UK’s creative and digital industries. The perfect place to make the best games, Leamington is vibrant and diverse, awash with history, close to some of the UK’s most celebrated countryside. Yet, it boasts a modern infrastructure with transport links to all parts of the UK, Europe and beyond.
