This is to the developers of the Forza Motorsport franchise and more importantly, the Horizon series. I have been playing since Forza Motorsport 3, and when Forza Horizon was released, my life changed forever. The game arrived on a rough patch of my life. I began to play more and more often. Little did I know that this would shape my life for years to come. My love for electronic dance music started here. My personal hobby of dance to those tracks started here. My realization for the love of cars started here. As i began to change, this game kept my mind from the terrible things in the world as I cruised the hillsides of Colorado and even aided in the prevention of suicide. These games continue to aid me through hard times and meet true friends that I have stuck with longer than some of my physical friends. I personally wanted to say thank you, as my life continues to be aided by even just the demo of Horizon 3, and soon to preorder. I hope you continue to make these games for the people, because in the end, you haven’t just created a game. You have created someone’s way of life. Thank you for helping my life, and many others. Hope to see you on the roads of Australia.
Thank you truly- 16, Dylan Wilhelmi, Land O Lakes, Florida
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Wow man, that was a beautiful post. I could honestly say the same thing to Turn 10 and Playground Games as you did. I am very impressed to see someone else significantly touched by Forza in a very passionate way that reminds me so much of myself while growing up. I have learned so much about cars and music, friendship and even some valuable life morals growing up with my friends playing Forza. Especially what I got out of the Horizon games. It will always, always, hold a very special place in my heart. Usually important events in my life take place whenever a Horizon game comes around ironically. This year for Horizon 3, that is no different. This may be a video game, but everyone and everything can touch your heart in one way, or another, and that means the world to me. That is what matters, it’s the heart that truly counts. I also give my sincere thanks to Turn 10 and Playground Games. I can’t wait to make more memories. 
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Anyone who says video games are “a waste of time”, “unproductive” or “rot the brain” are full of it.
Great post, OP.
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Dylan, thank you for those wonderful heartfelt words. They mean a lot to us here at Forza.
Take care,
Brian
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awesome post indeed i concur. [Mod edit - WSD - Off topic]
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I would have to agree. I have severe anxiety disorders and have been very fortunate to find two things that can occupy my mind and give me a little peace from myself at the end of the day. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and video games.
Jiu-Jitsu is great as it forces me into social situations and the activity itself truly disengages my mind from whatever bad things I’ve spent the day convincing myself will happen but the only gym teaching it is a long way away so I only get there once or twice a week.
Video games are there everyday though and I only play a few games that really tap into my interests and immerse me. I love cars and photography so the Forza series are my go to games.
It’ll be difficult for people who haven’t had any disorders of this kind to understand but for a long time now video games have been a very important part of me being able to lead an “ordinary” life.
Great post OP, hang in there man.
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never underestimate the powers of a great game. Forza helped me through it all with the designing logo elements, concentrating the mind on that, rather than the bad stuff in my head really helped. Seeing my young lad struggle with his own demons has been hard, but the last couple of weeks with his new wheel and the anticipation of Forza Horizon 3 he has been so much brighter. If he is struggling, no amount of love and cuddles make him feel better, but talk about Horizon 3 and he really opens up… So yes games really do affect children in good ways as well as bad x
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Very nicely written OP, I agree whole-heartedly. Many thanks to Playground Games and Turn 10.
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Great post OP. I haven’t been in situations described as some of the above, but I can definitely tell games can have huge impacts on lives. My love for designing and photographing started with Forza. I also learned most of my English through playing games. And let’s not forget the enjoyment they bring us.
I haven’t been looking forward to a game as much as I’m looking forward to Forza Horizon 3. If you’re looking for any more friends to play with on Xbox Live, feel free to add me!
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Thank you for not ranting about how Turn 10 are “greedy” and “a bunch of robbers.” What an excellent post.
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Wow, I almost cried there…I would like to take a moment to thank Turn 10 and Playground Games for making such amazing video games. My respect for cars and car culture kicked off whenever I got FM4. Also, my love for indie pop and Hospital Records music came from the Horizon games, my respect for photography, and the chance to get to somewhat know other players that play Forza (I seriously do not know any personally). I hope that Forza continues to blow my mind and continues to be my go-to whenever I play video games.
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Eleven and a half years ago, when I was an upset little 9 year old about Yu Gi Oh not working, I saw Forza Motorsport sitting in my small collection of games. Little did I know after popping the disc into that old Xbox would I be sitting here now, immersed in this wonderful community from all walks of life, different talents, and styles, and such. And it’s a thank you to Turn 10 and Playground games for making what became the favorite racing game of my childhood, and continuing to capture just what it was about Forza that drew me in more than a decade ago.
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Thank you for sharing your story Dylan. It was a great read.
I can’t say Forza changed my life in the same way it has yours, but my knowledge and appreciation of and for cars and racing has increased exponentially since I’ve started playing these games.
Of all the gripes I have, of all the questions, of all the requests, this still remains my favorite franchise to date.
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Such of a great post +1 should be in a sticky worth it afterall. Thank Dylan for sharing your story thumbup !
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Wow, I have rarely seen such a beautiful post in a long time. This was a great read, thank you for sharing your feelings etc. I started out with Forza with Forza Motorsport 6: Apex and pre-ordered Forza Horizon 3: Ultimate Edition because IMO Turn 10 and Playground Games deserve it. I hope that FH3 will bring a lot of joy to me as to you.
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Lovely posts here, totally agree with you all 
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