Leaked a very early version of Forza Horizon 2 for Xbox: this is how the game was months before its release

A internal build of the Xbox 360 release appears online showing a very primitive state of the map, graphics and gameplay.

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Two generations later, Forza Horizon 2 remains one of the most beloved titles in the series. But today, something unexpected has emerged: a extremely early development version, created months before the game hit the market in 2014. The leak includes a complete video showcasing how the project looked in its very early stages.

The images belong to the Xbox 360 version (developed by Sumo Digital) and show a game state far removed from the final product. Unloaded textures, entire areas of the map unfinished, basic lighting, and clearly provisional performance. It’s a strange, yet fascinating glimpse into how the sequel was taking shape while Playground Games worked on the main version for Xbox One.

A May 2014 build of Forza Horizon 2

According to the information accompanying the leak, this build dates back to May 2014, just six months before the final release of Forza Horizon 2. Nevertheless, it’s likely to include even older elements reused from previous versions, as often happens in the early stages of development.

The footage reveals structures and landscapes that bear a strong resemblance to the first Forza Horizon on Xbox 360, which is logical considering Sumo Digital built upon that foundation for the adaptation. Despite its primitive state, the general direction that would eventually define the game is already apparent: open roads, Mediterranean setting, and a clear focus on speed.