Gaming News
Forza Horizon Co-Creator Gavin Raeburn Trademarks New Racing Rival
Ongoing
Cover: GenZHype original graphic. All clips and posts below are embedded from their original sources.
By the numbers: this timeline documents 2 events from Oct 5, 2026 to Oct 6, 2026, drawn from 3 sources.
“All great ideas come while writing.”
via insider-gaming.com
Background
Gavin Raeburn is the former Head of Playground Games, the studio behind the Forza Horizon series. He left Playground Games in 2022 and founded Lighthouse Games in 2023. Raeburn co-created Forza Horizon, which was originally designed to compete with Need for Speed and eventually became a dominant force in the racing genre alongside Gran Turismo.
Raeburn has previously stated in interviews that his new project aims to beat Forza Horizon, describing it as the 'biggest fish in the pond.' In 2024, the studio also trademarked 'Drive the World' with the USPTO and EUIPO, a move that initially went unnoticed.
The timeline
-
Lighthouse Games filed 'Ignition: Drive the World' trademark
According to Insider Gaming, Lighthouse Games trademarked 'Ignition: Drive the World' with the EUIPO on October 5, 2026. The filing was made under classifications 09 and 041 for games and entertainment services.[1]
-
Console Tribe reported on the trademark filings
Console Tribe reported on October 6, 2026, that the recent EUIPO filings suggest 'Drive the World' appears to be the main title, with 'Wonderland' and 'Ignition' potentially serving as gameplay modes or components. The outlet noted that no identical filings were found in the US, which appears to be common for UK-based studios.[2]
Our read of the evidence
Mostly unverified. The trademark filings were reported by two outlets but have not been confirmed by a primary source such as the developer or trademark office. No official announcement or statement from the developer has been made regarding the game's title. Consequently, the claim that the upcoming AAA racing game will be titled "Drive the World" rests solely on secondary reports and remains unverified.
Our rating counts evidence, not opinions about anyone: events confirmed by a primary source (the person's own post, their official site, a court or government record) weigh most, then how many independent outlets report the story.
Frequently asked
What is the name of Gavin Raeburn's new racing game?
The game is likely called 'Drive the World,' according to recent trademark filings. Lighthouse Games also trademarked 'Ignition: Drive the World' and 'Wonderland: Drive the World,' which may be modes or full titles.
When was the trademark filed?
The 'Ignition: Drive the World' trademark was filed on October 5, 2026, according to Insider Gaming. The 'Wonderland: Drive the World' trademark was filed a few days prior.
Is Drive the World officially announced?
No, the game has not been officially announced yet. The trademarks provide the first indication of the title, but no official reveal has taken place as of October 6, 2026.
Who is leading the new racing game?
Gavin Raeburn, the former Head of Playground Games and co-creator of Forza Horizon, is leading the project at his new studio, Lighthouse Games.
What does Raeburn say about Forza Horizon?
Raeburn stated that Forza Horizon is the 'biggest fish in the pond' and the game his team has to beat, according to an interview with GamesIndustry.
More related drama (4)
Sources (3)
Cite this timeline
This timeline compiles 2 dated events from 3 sources. If it helped your reporting, cite it:
GenZHype. “Forza Horizon Co-Creator Gavin Raeburn Trademarks New Racing Rival.”
GenZHype, 6 October 2026,
https://genzhype.com/gaming/forza-horizon-co-creator-gavin-raeburn-trademarks-new-racing-rival/.