Forza Horizon 4's Digital Sunset: A Farewell to the Open Road
On December 15, 2024, Forza Horizon 4 will be removed from major digital platforms, marking the end of its digital availability. This means no new purchases of the game or its DLC will be possible after that date from online storefronts like the Microsoft Store, Steam, and Xbox Game Pass. The popular open-world racing title, launched in 2018, has captivated over 24 million players (as of November 2020) with its stunning recreation of the UK.
While Playground Games previously stated they weren't planning to delist the game, expiring licenses for in-game assets necessitate this decision. A recent announcement on Forza.net confirms the delisting date and outlines the timeline. DLC purchases cease on June 25, 2024, leaving only the Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate editions available until the December delisting. The final in-game series, Series 77, runs from July 25 to August 22. Post-August 22, the playlist screen will be unavailable, but daily and weekly challenges will remain accessible via the Forza Events screen.
Existing owners—digital or physical—can continue playing. Active Xbox Game Pass subscribers who purchased DLC will receive a game token to maintain access. This delisting, while regrettable, is common in the racing genre due to the time-limited nature of music and car licensing agreements. Previous Forza Horizon titles have faced similar fates. To take advantage of the game's final digital availability, players can currently find an 80% Steam discount, with further Xbox Store savings anticipated on August 14.
