Fans of the popular racing game Forza Horizon 4 should take note. On December 15, 2024, the game will be removed from all digital stores and Xbox Game Pass. This announcement came on June 25, 2024, and has caused quite a stir in the gaming community.
Forza Horizon 4, an open-world racing game by Playground Games and published by Xbox Game Studios, has been a fan favorite since its release in September 2018. Set in a fictional version of the United Kingdom, the game offers a dynamic weather system, a variety of seasons, and a wide selection of cars and events. Players can explore, race, and enjoy the open world with friends or alone.
Why Forza Horizon 4 is Being Delisted
The main reason for the delisting is expiring licenses. Like many other games, Forza Horizon 4 includes real-life cars, music tracks, and brand names. These licenses are time-limited. Once they expire, the developers cannot legally sell the game with this content. Hence, it has to be removed from digital storefronts. This means Forza Horizon 4 will no longer be available for purchase on platforms like Steam, the Microsoft Store, or through Xbox Game Pass.
What This Means for Players
Existing Owners
If you already own Forza Horizon 4, don’t worry. You can still play the game. Even after it is delisted, it will remain in your library, and you can re-download it if you need to. All your purchased DLC and in-game items will still be available to you. However, no new updates or content will be released for the game after it is delisted.
New Purchases
If you are thinking about buying Forza Horizon 4, you should do so before December 15, 2024. After this date, the game will no longer be available for purchase. This includes all its downloadable content (DLC), which features new cars, expansions, and additional gameplay features. It’s best to act fast if you want to own the game and experience its full content.
Xbox Game Pass Users
For those using Xbox Game Pass, Forza Horizon 4 will be removed from the service. This means that you won’t be able to play the game unless you purchase it before the delisting date. This removal affects both Xbox Game Pass for Console and Xbox Game Pass for PC subscribers. Players who enjoyed the game through this subscription will have to find other ways to keep playing, such as purchasing the game outright.
History and Impact of Forza Horizon 4
Forza Horizon 4 was a significant release for the Forza franchise. It introduced a shared open-world experience where players could interact with each other in real time. The game’s setting in the UK, with its changing seasons, provided a visually stunning and varied environment. Players could experience everything from snowy landscapes to lush spring meadows, each affecting driving conditions differently.
The game also expanded the Forza Horizon series’ customization options. Players could modify their cars extensively and tune their performance to suit different types of races. The game received praise for its detailed graphics, extensive car roster, and engaging gameplay. It quickly became a staple for racing game enthusiasts.
Since its release, Forza Horizon 4 has seen numerous updates and expansions. These added new cars, events, and even a LEGO-themed expansion. These updates kept the game fresh and exciting, helping it maintain a loyal player base over the years. Its removal from digital stores marks the end of an era for fans of the series.
Looking Ahead
With Forza Horizon 4’s delisting, many fans are turning their attention to the future of the Forza Horizon series. Forza Horizon 5, set in Mexico, has already been a big hit since its release in November 2021. The game builds on the successes of Forza Horizon 4 with even more detailed environments, a larger car roster, and new features like weather events and more diverse biomes.
The Forza franchise continues to evolve, and while Forza Horizon 4’s delisting is disappointing, it also highlights the industry’s need to address licensing issues in long-term game sales. Many players hope that future games will find a way to manage these licenses better, allowing them to stay available for longer periods.
How to Prepare
Purchase the Game
If you haven’t yet purchased Forza Horizon 4 but want to experience its unique racing world, now is the time. You can find it on Steam, the Microsoft Store, and other digital retailers until December 15, 2024. Make sure to buy any DLC you are interested in as well, as these will also be delisted.
Download and Backup
Ensure you have the game downloaded and backed up. Although it will remain in your library, it’s a good idea to have a local copy. This way, if there are any issues with re-downloading in the future, you won’t be left without access to the game.
Explore Alternatives
After December 15, Forza Horizon 5 or other racing games might be good alternatives. They offer modern features and ongoing support, making them appealing choices for those who enjoy the genre.
The delisting of Forza Horizon 4 is a significant moment for fans of the game. While it brings an end to new sales and Game Pass availability, those who already own the game will continue to enjoy it. This event serves as a reminder of the challenges in digital game licensing. As the gaming industry moves forward, players hope for better solutions that will keep their favorite games accessible for years to come.
Forza Horizon 4 will be missed, but its legacy in the racing game community will continue. Fans can look forward to new adventures in the Forza Horizon series and beyond.
