Porsche cars are coming to the "Forza" series, thanks to a new deal between Microsoft and the German automobile manufacturer.
According to reports, Microsoft has confirmed that Porsche automobiles will be heading to the racing franchise. The news comes after Porsche's exclusive deal with Electronic Arts expired at the end of 2016, having spanned 16 years. Porsche vehicles only showed up in EA games from 2000 to 2016, specifically in the "Need For Speed" series. Microsoft's new partnership with Porsche is good for six years and the two companies are expected to collaborate on a variety of co-branded initiatives for the "Forza" and Porsche franchise.
A premium Porsche car pack for "Forza Horizon 3" was announced on Wednesday featuring seven cars from the automaker. The expansion retails for $6.99 and it includes the following cars: 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS, 2017 Porsche Panamera Turbo, 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4, 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS, 1995 Porsche 911 GT2,1960 Porsche 718 RS 60, and 1955 Porsche 550A Spyder.
The latest "Forza Horizon 3" downloadable content (DLC) is just the first initiative in the deal between Microsoft's "Forza" racing series and the car company. Porsche recently made its eSports sponsorship debut with The Porsche Cup in the Forza Racing Championship (ForzaRC) Season 3. Registration for the competition, which will be held on May 1, is now open for the "Forza" racing community.
This year's ForzaRC kicked off with the "Forza Racing Championship 2017 New York Invitational Presented by Porsche" on April 15-16. The event showcased 18 of ForzaRC's Elite players from all over the world as they competed for a chance to win $25,000 in cash.
"By having Microsoft as our partner, we have the opportunity to take the pleasure of driving a Porsche and making it an experience in the virtual world," said Detlev von Platen, a member of the executive board responsible for sales and marketing at Porsche AG, in a press release. "Racing games and eSports connect the real and virtual worlds and enable us to gain further access to the young target group. It means that they can develop a passion for Porsche even before buying their first sports car," he added.
Developed by Playground Games and published by Microsoft Studios, "Forza Horizon 3" is available on Xbox One and PC.
