http://www.vg247.com/2009/02/16/source-forza-3-will-release-this-christmas/

Source: Forza 3 will release this Christmas

VG247 has learned that Microsoft intends to release Forza 3 as one of its major 360 titles this holiday.

The game has never been confirmed by the company, although it was heavily involved in the Intellisponse leak fiasco last June.

Intellisponse marketing concepts hinted that the game may feature a Collector’s Edition, DLC, over 100 tracks and 400 cars.

Microsoft’s Q4 first-party line-up for this year is unknown as yet, and we’re still in the dark as to when it’ll be announced.

The publisher hasn’t confirmed a GDC keynote this year: last year it used the platform to announce Gears of War 2, with the rest of its Christmas roster being shown at a US event in May.

Aside from Forza, it’s now known that newly-formed developer Ruffian is working on a “Crackdown 1.5″ product aimed for release at the end of this year.

Halo: ODST will also release in late 2009.

We’ve asked Microsoft for comment.

==> Of course, Forza has not an incredible brandname (it is not so famous !), 
but, considering the lack of GT5, the price of the Xbox360, the fact that Forza is a very good game and the fact that racing car = multiplayer offline = mainstream, it could be a very good move from MS to have Forza3 for this Xmas.

To Sony  : that is why an offline co-op mode should have been put in KZ2 !!!

I wonder how Forza would do if GT5 did launch around the same time. I'm guessing not good..

If it is the only top simulator for the holidays then Microsoft have a winner on their hands

The only reason Forza 2 sold so well was that it was bundled with nearly every 360 sold in holiday 07 alongside Marvel Ultimate Alliance.

different platforms, different sales....

The 360 almost has four times the install base it had in Others when Forza 2 released, it'll do well.

Gran turismo is well known by non-gamers, in fact that's a casual game, that's why it's selling so well. I got forza2, it's a good game, but not very popular. Non gamers want their gran turismo, not another one.

But well, that's good news for 360 owners.

MS has done well to counter many of Sony's games by placing their own headliners around the same time, but I fear that this might not be a good idea with this one.

I can understand headbutting R2 and MS2 and LBP2 with GOW2 and Fable2 (more well-known, better-selling titles), but putting forza up against GT5 (which sony will certainly push if this is confirmed), is a very dangerous gamble imho.

i never really saw a racing for a system seller.although i really did enjoy forza

anyways i think that if they release pgr5 and forza 3 about the same time as gran turismo then that might help

I agree with this.

Although Forza 2 was better than GT5 P online etc etc, it just doesnt matter. GT is a big name, and it would be hard for Forza 3 to shine. The only way I could see a challenge would be with massive TV advertising and visuals that were so good it hurt. I dont doubt the visuals will seriously be enhanced from 2 (which are very good anyway) but simply being as good as GT5 I dont think will cut it. As long as the racing is kept the same or better, I will purchase over GT5 purely based on the GT5P experience in terms of racing was hampered after playing GT5P.

But I will end up buying GT5 anyway so thats that.

Im surprised I would not think it would be done so quickly with all the extra stuff in it. I saw it as a next summer title. well if it is out next xmas ill pick it up