# Playground Games

> British video game developer

**Wikidata**: [Q130744](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q130744)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playground_Games)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/playground-games

## Summary
Playground Games is a British video game developer, owned by Xbox Game Studios. Founded in 2009, the company is known for creating the *Forza Horizon* series, particularly *Forza Horizon 3*, and operates from its headquarters in Leamington Spa, England.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: 2009
- **Country**: United Kingdom
- **Headquarters**: Leamington Spa, England
- **Parent company**: Xbox Game Studios (since 2009)
- **Industry**: Video game development
- **Notable works**: *Forza Horizon*, *Forza Horizon 2*, *Forza Horizon 3*
- **Employees**: 175 (as of 2017)
- **Legal form**: Privately held company
- **Website**: [playground-games.com](http://www.playground-games.com/)
- **Social media presence**: Twitter (@WeArePlayground), Instagram (@weareplaygroundgames), Facebook (PlaygroundGames)

## FAQs
### Q: What games has Playground Games developed?
A: Playground Games is best known for the *Forza Horizon* series, including *Forza Horizon 3*, which expanded the franchise with a more open-world experience.

### Q: Who owns Playground Games?
A: Playground Games is owned by Xbox Game Studios, an American video game company founded in 2000.

### Q: Where is Playground Games located?
A: The company is headquartered in Leamington Spa, England, with its parent company, Xbox Game Studios, based in Redmond, Washington, USA.

### Q: How many employees does Playground Games have?
A: As of 2017, Playground Games employed 175 people.

### Q: What is Playground Games' most famous game?
A: *Forza Horizon 3* (2016) is one of Playground Games' most notable works, praised for its open-world racing experience.

## Why It Matters
Playground Games plays a significant role in the video game industry, particularly in the racing genre. The company's *Forza Horizon* series has become a staple in the gaming community, known for its immersive open-world environments and realistic physics. By being a subsidiary of Xbox Game Studios, Playground Games benefits from the resources and support of Microsoft, allowing it to produce high-quality, critically acclaimed titles. The studio's work has contributed to the growth of the racing simulation genre, attracting both casual and hardcore gamers. Additionally, Playground Games' success highlights the importance of British talent in the global gaming industry, demonstrating that innovative and engaging games can be developed outside major hubs like the U.S. or Japan.

## Notable For
- **Ownership by Xbox Game Studios**: Playground Games is one of several studios under Xbox Game Studios, allowing it to leverage Microsoft's resources.
- **Forza Horizon Series**: The studio is renowned for the *Forza Horizon* series, which has expanded the racing genre with its open-world design.
- **British Video Game Development**: Playground Games represents a notable British contribution to the global gaming industry.
- **High Employee Count**: With 175 employees in 2017, the studio was a relatively large developer at the time.
- **Social Media Presence**: The company actively engages with fans through platforms like Twitter and Instagram.

## Body
### Overview
Playground Games is a British video game developer, founded in 2009. The company is owned by Xbox Game Studios, an American video game company, and is headquartered in Leamington Spa, England. Playground Games specializes in developing racing simulation games, particularly the *Forza Horizon* series.

### History and Ownership
Playground Games was established in 2009 and has been a subsidiary of Xbox Game Studios since its inception. Xbox Game Studios, founded in 2000, is based in Redmond, Washington, USA, and is part of Microsoft's gaming division. This partnership has allowed Playground Games to benefit from Microsoft's resources and support.

### Notable Works
The studio is best known for the *Forza Horizon* series, which includes *Forza Horizon* (2012), *Forza Horizon 2* (2014), and *Forza Horizon 3* (2016). *Forza Horizon 3* is particularly notable for its open-world design and expanded gameplay features, which contributed to its success and critical acclaim.

### Employee Count
As of 2017, Playground Games employed 175 people, reflecting its status as a mid-sized developer in the video game industry.

### Legal and Operational Details
Playground Games operates as a privately held company. The company's website, [playground-games.com](http://www.playground-games.com/), is available in English. It also maintains an active presence on social media platforms, including Twitter (@WeArePlayground), Instagram (@weareplaygroundgames), and Facebook (PlaygroundGames).

### Industry Recognition
Playground Games has been recognized in the video game industry for its contributions to the racing simulation genre. The studio's work has been widely praised for its attention to detail and immersive gameplay experiences. Additionally, Playground Games has been featured in various industry publications and has a significant online presence, including a Wikipedia page and entries in databases like MobyGames and Video Game Geek.

## References

1. LastDodo
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. [Source](http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2017-09-15-theres-no-better-environment-than-aaa-to-develop-your-skills)
5. Google Knowledge Graph
6. Quora
7. VideoGameGeek
8. Video Games Chronicle