Forza Horizon 4, a beloved racing game released just six years ago, is facing the unfortunate fate of being delisted from various platforms – Microsoft Store, Steam, and Xbox Game Pass on 15 December 2024. This decision is attributed to “licensing and agreements” with third-party partners, marking the end of an era for fans of the game. While the game will still be available for download and its online multiplayer features will remain active, the option to purchase it will be no more.
One of the significant changes resulting from the delisting of Forza Horizon 4 is the discontinuation of the Festival Playlist. Series 77, scheduled to commence on 25 July, will be the final Festival Playlist for the game. Upon its conclusion on 22 August, players will no longer have access to the Playlist menu, and certain achievements linked to this mode will become inaccessible. This marks the end of a popular feature within the game that many players enjoyed engaging with.
In addition to the base game, all downloadable content (DLC) for Forza Horizon 4 is set to be delisted imminently. As of the announcement, DLC has already been removed from availability starting on June 25. This decision means that additional car packs, passes, and expansions can no longer be purchased, leaving players who haven’t acquired them in a tough spot. With no indication of a future return for this content, it seems like a missed opportunity for those who were considering expanding their gameplay experience.
The sudden delisting of Forza Horizon 4 is attributed to the expiration of licensing agreements with various partners involved in the game’s production. While specific details about these agreements are not disclosed, it is speculated that they encompass music licenses, vehicle brands, and other aspects that required formal permission for inclusion in the game. These licensing deals are often short-term and costly, leading to the inevitable removal of the game from circulation after a few years.
The delisting of popular games like Forza Horizon 4 highlights the challenges of preserving gaming experiences in the modern era. As complex licensing agreements dictate the lifespan of games, even well-received titles are not immune to being taken out of circulation. This trend is detrimental to game preservation efforts and disappointing for dedicated players who wish to continue enjoying these titles long after their release.
In today’s video game landscape, the fate of Forza Horizon 4 serves as a grim reminder of how temporary and fragile digital entertainment can be. While the game may have enjoyed a successful run, the underlying licensing agreements ultimately dictate its longevity on gaming platforms. The impending release of Forza Horizon 5 likely played a role in the decision to delist its predecessor, signaling a shift in focus towards newer titles and leaving older ones behind.
The delisting of Forza Horizon 4 represents a loss for gaming preservation and a harsh reality of the industry’s reliance on time-limited agreements. As players bid farewell to a title that brought them countless hours of enjoyment, it underscores the impermanence of digital entertainment and the challenges faced in maintaining access to beloved games for future generations.
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