On December 15, 2024, racing enthusiasts were met with disappointing news as Forza Horizon 4 officially left digital storefronts, marking the end of its online availability for new players. The game, which first graced consoles and PCs on September 28, 2018, had garnered immense praise and was lauded as one of the finest racing simulations available. Developed by Playground Games and published by Microsoft, Forza Horizon 4 captured the essence of open-world racing with its stunning recreations of the British countryside, promising immersive gameplay and diversity.
The delisting was announced months earlier, leaving fans to scramble for digital copies during the last-minute fire sale, where gamers could secure Forza Horizon 4 for 80% off. Unfortunately, as of mid-December, those who missed out have no choice but to seek out second-hand physical copies or digital keys from online resellers. "We’ve known this day was coming, but we’re still sad about it," remarked Sean Endicott, emphasizing the communal sorrow shared among the fanbase.
The sudden cessation of sales was attributed to licensing agreements which, like many racing titles, heavily govern the authorized usage of vehicles and brands within the game. Such is the fate for many beloved racing games, where access hinges upon renewed contracts. “The delisting...comes due to licensing agreements,” explained various gaming news outlets, underscoring the reality of the gaming industry's dependence on contractual compliance.
Despite the unfortunate news, hopeful gamers still have some room for navigation: Forza Horizon 4 remains playable for those who already own it, either digitally or physically. Players can still enjoy the game’s expansive online and offline modes. Interestingly, the game's developers confirmed there are no immediate plans to shut down the online servers, leaving the possibility open for fans to race each other for the foreseeable future.
“Forza Horizon 4 is beautifully presented, exquisitely detailed and a smooth, reliable performer,” said Richard Devine, Managing Editor, accentuating the well-rounded experience delivered by the game. The developers have consistently provided updates, adding content long after its initial release, making the game feel fresh even amid new entries from the series.
The anticipation leading up to this delisting was felt across the gaming community, but it also served as a reminder of the temporal nature of digital ownership. To players who waited too long, excitement turned to frustration as they now grapple with the inevitable search for alternative purchasing avenues. Many clamored to stock up on digital codes for the game, knowing these would continue to function post-delisting.
The disheartening part of this transition is the loss of access to various DLC and updates, which had already been removed from digital stores months prior. Gamers who had not yet played the expansions or accumulated exclusive cars from various content updates are now left on the sidelines, reflecting on unfulfilled potential within the expansive universe of Forza Horizon 4.
With Forza Horizon 5 blazing its own trail, the timing of Forza Horizon 4’s retirement certainly raises eyebrows. Although Forza Horizon 5 is the current flagship title, fans remain fond of its predecessor. The unique experiences, particularly the LEGO Speed Champions experience and the Fortune Island DLC, made the fourth installment unforgettable. Limiting oneself to just Forza Horizon 5 excludes the colorful variety and nostalgia embedded throughout Forza Horizon 4.
The delisting is more than just the cessation of digital sales; it symbolizes the broader market dynamics within gaming. Will future installments continue this trend? Are licensing complications the thread connecting these events? “Hopefully the currently running ‘Forza Horizon 5’ and ‘Forza Motorsport’ can avoid this license hell,” noted one industry analyst, reflecting on the increasingly complicated nature of retaining titles within digital environments.
Anyone gauging the possibility of new experiences is prompted to act fast. Acquiring Forza Horizon 4 from retailers could limit frustrations. Whether it's finding digital downloads or scouring local game stores for used copies, every avenue must be explored. Although the transition is bittersweet, Forza Horizon 4 will remain forever cherished among its loyal fanbase, staying etched as one of the most beloved titles within the franchise.
With the clock ticking down on potential purchases, one thing is certain: the efforts to obtain Forza Horizon 4 will be worthwhile for dedicated racers. After years of updates, it still holds the charm and excitement players have come to love. Anyone who skipped this game needs to take note — the opportunity to jump behind the wheel as you navigate the captivating landscapes of the UK is becoming rarer with each passing day.
