Fans of the open-world racing game Forza Horizon 4, buckle up! Get ready to speed through the beautiful British countryside one last time.
Playground Games, the developer behind the Forza Horizon series, announced on June 26, 2024, that Forza Horizon 4 will be delisted from digital storefronts by December 15, 2024. This means that after that date, players will no longer be able to purchase the game digitally on platforms like the Microsoft Store or Steam.
Why is Forza Horizon 4 Being Delisted?
The reason for the delisting boils down to licensing agreements. Forza Horizon 4 features a massive collection of real-world cars and brands. To include these elements in the game, Playground Games must secure licenses from the car manufacturers and other rights holders. These licenses typically have expiration dates, and in the case of Forza Horizon 4, those dates are coming up in December.
What Does This Mean for Players?
If you already own Forza Horizon 4 digitally, you can breathe a sigh of relief. You will still be able to download and play the game even after December 15th. All your progress, cars, and customizations will remain safe. However, if you haven’t purchased the game yet and have been waiting for a good deal, you’ll need to act fast.
Will There Be Sales Before the Delisting?
Playground Games hasn’t officially announced any sales for Forza Horizon 4 before its delisting. However, considering past practices with delisted Forza titles and comments from the developers, there’s a good chance we’ll see discounts offered in the coming months. This could be a great opportunity to grab the game at a reduced price before it disappears from digital stores.
What About Forza Horizon 4 on Xbox Game Pass?
Forza Horizon 4 is currently available through Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft’s subscription service that gives players access to a library of games. The good news is that Microsoft hasn’t announced any changes to Forza Horizon 4’s availability on Game Pass. This means that as long as your Game Pass subscription is active, you should be able to continue playing the game even after December 15th.
What Happens to DLC After Delisting?
The situation surrounding downloadable content (DLC) for Forza Horizon 4 after delisting is a bit less clear. Playground Games hasn’t provided any specific details yet. However, there’s a possibility that DLC might also be delisted alongside the base game. This means that if you haven’t purchased any DLC yet and want to experience the full Forza Horizon 4 experience, it’s best to do so before December 15th.
Is There Any Hope for Forza Horizon 4 to Return in the Future?
Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that Forza Horizon 4 will ever be available for purchase again digitally. Once a game is delisted due to licensing issues, it’s often a permanent decision. However, there have been rare instances where developers have been able to renegotiate licenses and bring delisted games back. So, while it’s not likely, there’s always a sliver of hope for Forza Horizon 4’s future return.
The Legacy of Forza Horizon 4
Forza Horizon 4 launched in 2018 to critical acclaim. The game’s beautiful world recreation of Great Britain, its diverse car selection, and its unique seasonal progression system made it a fan favorite. Even with the upcoming delisting, Forza Horizon 4’s legacy will likely continue to be celebrated by racing game enthusiasts for years to come.
The Future of Forza Horizon
The delisting of Forza Horizon 4 might leave a void for some players, but the future of the Forza Horizon series remains bright. Forza Horizon 5, the latest entry in the series set in vibrant Mexico, continues to receive updates and expansions. With its stunning visuals and exciting gameplay, Forza Horizon 5 is a worthy successor that promises to keep racing fans entertained for a long time.
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