The highly popular racing game, Forza Horizon 4, is facing an unfortunate fate as it is scheduled to be delisted from the Microsoft Store, Steam, and Xbox Game Pass on 15 December 2024. The reason cited for this drastic decision is due to “licensing and agreements” with third-party partners. While the game will no longer be available for purchase after the specified date, it will still be downloadable, and its online multiplayer features will continue to be operational. Players who own a physical copy of the game will also retain access to it.
One of the key components of Forza Horizon 4, the Festival Playlist, will be coming to an end with the delisting of the game. Series 77, the final Festival Playlist set to begin on 25 July, will mark the conclusion of this popular mode. Once Series 77 concludes on 22 August, players will no longer have access to the Playlist menu, and certain achievements tied to this feature will no longer be attainable. Additionally, all downloadable content for the game will be removed alongside the delisting. This means that players will no longer be able to purchase any additional car packs, passes, or expansions for Forza Horizon 4.
The sudden decision to delist Forza Horizon 4 stems from the expiration of licensing and agreements with the various partners involved in the development of the game. While the specific details of these agreements have not been disclosed, it is likely that they pertain to elements such as licensed music, cars, and brands featured in the game. Securing licenses for real-life content can be a costly affair, with agreements often being structured for a limited period of time. As a result, it was inevitable that Forza Horizon 4 would eventually be delisted, given the nature of these licensing arrangements.
The delisting of popular video games like Forza Horizon 4 due to complex licensing agreements raises concerns about game preservation in the modern era. As games rely on licensed content from various partners, they are often bound by time-limited agreements that ultimately lead to their removal from digital storefronts. While this may be a disappointing reality for dedicated players, it appears to be a growing trend in the video game industry. With the impending release of Forza Horizon 5, it is likely that players will transition to the new installment, making the delisting of its predecessor a seemingly inevitable outcome.
The delisting of Forza Horizon 4 serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by video game developers when navigating the complex world of licensing and agreements. While the game may soon disappear from digital platforms, it will leave behind a legacy of thrilling racing experiences and memorable gameplay moments for players to cherish. As the video game industry continues to evolve, it is essential for players to appreciate and preserve the games they hold dear before they fade into obscurity.
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