Forza Horizon 4 to be Retired from Xbox Game Pass and Online Stores

by Frank McDougall
in News, Release, XBOX
on 30 June 2024

Forza Horizon 4, the popular racing game developed by Playground Games and published by Xbox Game Studios, is set to be removed from Xbox Game Pass and delisted from online storefronts. This news comes as Playground Games announced that the game is entering its “end of life” phase, signaling that it will no longer be available for purchase.

However, players who have already purchased the game, whether in digital or physical form, will still be able to enjoy Forza Horizon 4 even after it is delisted. This means that loyal fans will not be left without the ability to play their beloved racing game.

Xbox has also taken steps to ensure a smooth transition for players who purchased downloadable content (DLC) for Forza Horizon 4 but accessed the base game through Xbox Game Pass. These players are now receiving free copies of the Forza Horizon 4 digital Standard Edition, allowing them to continue playing the game even after it is removed from the service.

The decision to delist Forza Horizon 4 is not uncommon for the franchise, as previous titles have also been delisted when their licensing agreements for music and cars expired. While this may be disappointing for some fans who enjoy the convenience of Xbox Game Pass, it is important to note that those who own the game will retain access to it indefinitely.

In an effort to mitigate possible negative customer experiences, Xbox is providing free copies of the game to those who have invested in DLC. This ensures that even after delisting, players will still have the opportunity to enjoy Forza Horizon 4.

Although Forza Horizon 4 will no longer be available for purchase on Xbox Game Pass and online storefronts, players who own the game will still be able to play and enjoy the full multiplayer functionality. However, it is worth mentioning that the Festival playlist will close after Series 77, which ends on August 22. Consequently, some Xbox achievements in the game may become unobtainable.

As fans await the retirement of Forza Horizon 4 from Xbox Game Pass and online stores, it is reassuring to know that current players will not be left behind and will continue to have access to the game’s immersive racing experience.

Additional facts:
– Forza Horizon 4 was released on October 2, 2018, for Xbox One and Microsoft Windows.
– It received critical acclaim upon release, with praise for its open-world environment, graphics, and gameplay mechanics.
– The game is set in a fictionalized version of the United Kingdom, featuring a variety of landscapes and changing seasons.
– Forza Horizon 4 has a large roster of over 700 cars from various manufacturers.

Key questions and answers:
1. Why is Forza Horizon 4 being retired from Xbox Game Pass and online stores?
Playground Games has announced that the game is entering its “end of life” phase, which means it will no longer be available for purchase.

2. Will players who already own the game still be able to play it?
Yes, players who have already purchased Forza Horizon 4, whether in digital or physical form, will still be able to play the game even after it is delisted.

3. What about players who purchased DLC for Forza Horizon 4 through Xbox Game Pass?
Xbox is providing free copies of the Forza Horizon 4 digital Standard Edition to players who purchased DLC through Game Pass. This ensures they can continue playing the game even after it is removed from the service.

Key challenges or controversies associated with the topic:
– The delisting of Forza Horizon 4 may disappoint fans who enjoy the convenience of Xbox Game Pass and prefer to access games through the subscription service.
– The closure of the Festival playlist after Series 77 may make some Xbox achievements unobtainable for players.

Advantages:
– Players who already own Forza Horizon 4 can continue to enjoy the game without any disruptions.
– Free copies of the game are provided to players who purchased DLC through Game Pass, ensuring they can still access the full experience.

Disadvantages:
– For new players or those who haven’t purchased the game yet, it will no longer be available for purchase on Xbox Game Pass and online storefronts.
– Some Xbox achievements may become unobtainable due to the closure of the Festival playlist.