Forza Horizon 4, a beloved racing game that was released just six years ago, is facing delisting from major platforms such as the Microsoft Store, Steam, and Xbox Game Pass. This decision is attributed to “licensing and agreements” with third-party partners. On December 15, 2024, the game will no longer be available for purchase, leading to disappointment among fans. However, the online multiplayer features of Forza Horizon 4 will still be operational, providing some solace to players. Those who own physical copies of the game or have purchased DLC will retain access, ensuring that they can continue to enjoy the game even after its delisting.
One significant consequence of the delisting of Forza Horizon 4 is the closure of the Festival Playlist feature. Series 77, the upcoming playlist scheduled to commence on July 25, will mark the final installment in the game. Upon the conclusion of Series 77 on August 22, players will no longer have access to the Playlist menu, resulting in the loss of certain achievements linked to this mode. This development serves as a poignant reminder of the imminent departure of Forza Horizon 4 from the gaming landscape.
In addition to the base game, all downloadable content for Forza Horizon 4 is set to be delisted in the near future. As of June 25, DLC such as car packs, passes, and expansions have been removed from stores, making them unavailable for purchase. This sudden removal of content has left many players scrambling to acquire the DLC before it disappears permanently. For those looking to salvage some part of the game, Forza Horizon 4 is currently being offered at a reduced price on Steam and will later be discounted on the Microsoft Store in mid-July.
The decision to delist Forza Horizon 4 is primarily driven by the expiration of licensing agreements with various partners involved in the creation of the game. These agreements, though unspecified, likely pertain to elements such as in-game music, licensed cars, brands, and tie-in content like the Lego collaboration. The hefty costs associated with licensing real-life assets necessitate short-term agreements, resulting in the temporary nature of these assets within the game. The inevitability of delisting was likely anticipated during the game’s development, with a predetermined expiration date set in place to facilitate a smooth transition to the next installment, Forza Horizon 5.
The delisting of Forza Horizon 4 mirrors a prevalent trend in the video game industry, where popular games are subjected to removal due to complex and costly licensing agreements. This practice poses a threat to game preservation efforts and can be disheartening for dedicated players who wish to continue engaging with these titles. However, in the current gaming landscape, such occurrences are increasingly common, highlighting the transient nature of video games and the challenges posed by licensing constraints.
The impending delisting of Forza Horizon 4 serves as a poignant reminder of the evolving nature of the gaming industry, where even beloved titles are not immune to the impact of licensing agreements and expiration dates. As players mourn the loss of a cherished game, it also raises questions about the long-term sustainability of preserving video game experiences in an environment shaped by fleeting licenses and shifting priorities.
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