Hello Forza Team/Turn 10.
I’m writing to you regarding the shocking last 20-30 seconds of the content on your Monthly program last Thursday, the 24th of March 2022.
I am not only shocked that you have terminated all the Official Forza Streamers, but also in, what I found to be, the incredibly disrespectful way in which you did it, in not even giving them proper screen time to make the announcement. It seemed like you were trying to slip this announcement past your audience.
I avidly watch John Schommer’s, aka Johniwanna’s, streams. Even though my time zone does not make it easy to always participate, I make sure I watch his VODs. When I first started watching, I thought “why do I want to watch a guy playing video-games?”. Straight away though, I was drawn in by his energy, excitement, stories, humour, life lessons and more, I was truly hooked. For the last year that I have been watching, he has brought this “package” to every stream that I have seen him do, even through some difficult times in his personal life. He truly elevates Forza Horizon from just a game into an experience, mixing the game with car culture, something that I have never seen anyone else do. He brings guests with their incredible array of cars into his “office” and shares their stories and love of cars with his loyal audience. John transcends age groups too. His audience ranges from those in their sixties (and above) to those in their teens. I know of one particular teen who, as a direct result of being part of John’s audience, is looking to work in the automotive field. John has built a large and loyal community. I’m sure I can speak on their behalf when I say we’re disappointed (and outraged).
I think Forza/Turn 10 have underestimated all that John brings to the Forza brand.
John has created so many different events based on car culture for his audience. I learned so much about things I wouldn’t have been necessarily interested in.
John kept Forza Horizon 4 alive, fresh and interesting during the extended FH5 development.
Because of John, I got into track creation, livery painting and tuning. That was something I had no interest in previously. John used these on his streams and gave me and others so much encouragement. He gave amateur creators a place to show their creations. This outlet for creation and sharing the experience encourages camaraderie – it brings enjoyment for the game that would not have been derived merely from the game (it enhances the user’s overall experience and builds their interest in the product).
John continued to hype up FH5 even though we were all suffering through so many bug issues with his usual enthusiasm.
John recently celebrated 10 years working at Turn 10. I’m shocked that this is how his loyalty has been rewarded - with 20-30 seconds of “oh, by the way….” Also, only giving the streamers’ audience a week to say goodbye does not appear to show respect for their audiences who are the clients of Forza/Turn 10.
We, John’s audience, have lost a huge and fun part of our gaming life that you cannot replicate. John’s streams are unique. The decision to replace him has left many of us feeling hollow, and it will affect our overall appreciation for your product – it certainly affects the commitment to support Forza/Turn 10 when it appears to show so little regard for those who have played a valuable part in selling the experience (and thereby the product).
I know nothing I say will change the decision to terminate the services of the streamers (as it appears to be financial decision to replace paid for content with free content). As a fan of your games and of your official streamers (especially John), I’m angry, shocked and disappointed at how you’ve gone about things. Although I love the game, I will not be watching any future content you stream and I can also honestly say, this game won’t be the same for me anymore.
Respectfully,
FullCafLizard
saint of motorsport 4 … And having worked on a couple photo projects with him for horizon 2 and 3 .for heavy metal affliction…this is really saddening… John is a great guy … and has been a pillar in the Forza community…we’ve had our disagreements and haven’t spoke in a very long time… But that a side…I will say that you will be missed sir… And thank you for everything you’ve done over the years in the Forza community…