One of Xbox’s best games in a decade is two weeks away from disappearing forever — but you still have time to buy it

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One of Xbox's best games in a decade is two weeks away from disappearing forever — but you still have time to buy it

What you need to know

  • Forza Horizon 4 first released in 2018, and quickly became one of Xbox’s most successful and highest-rated first-party exclusives.
  • Over six years later, FH4 is officially being sunsetted, and its end-of-life date is less than two weeks away.
  • On Dec. 15, 2024, Forza Horizon 4 will be permanently delisted from all digital storefronts, and removed from Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming.
  • This is due to music and car licenses expiring, but FH4 already lasted longer than any previous Horizon entry (and Forza Horizon 5 is still going strong).
  • You still have time to buy FH4 and add it to your library to keep forever, but time is running out.

As an analyst who has been following the gaming industry for over two decades, I must admit that I have a soft spot for classic games like Forza Horizon 4 (FH4). Having played through numerous generations of consoles and seen countless titles come and go, FH4 stands out as one of those rare gems that managed to capture the hearts of millions.

In a vibrant rephrasing: The open-world racing game Forza Horizon 5 has been a popular choice for over 3 million players, immersing them in the rich and varied Mexican terrain. It continues to thrive with monthly updates, introducing fresh cars, races, and features even three years post-release. While Forza Horizon 5 remains strong, there’s a sense of nostalgia for its predecessor. However, the future looks less promising for Forza Horizon 4; just weeks after the official announcement, its end-of-life date is rapidly approaching.

Launched in October 2018, Forza Horizon 4 marked the debut of the renowned open-world arcade racing series in the United Kingdom. FH4 was a triumph for Xbox and Playground Games, thriving during its three-year term before Forza Horizon 5 made its appearance. Now, three years on, Forza Horizon 4 will be permanently removed from all digital marketplaces on December 15, 2024. So, if you haven’t already, this is your final opportunity to purchase the game and own it forever.

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There’s no need to hesitate any longer! Grab the Forza Horizon 4 Ultimate Edition (compatible with both Xbox and PC) at Amazon for just $19.99, which represents an impressive 80% discount. The package includes the main game, two DLC expansions, a plethora of DLC cars, and various perks.

The end of an era, and signs of things to come

One of Xbox's best games in a decade is two weeks away from disappearing forever — but you still have time to buy it

On October 2, 2018, Forza Horizon 4 debuted on both Xbox One and Windows PC platforms. It received frequent content updates and new car additions up until July 2021. Notably, this game has had a longer lifespan compared to the previous three Forza Horizons, lasting over three years post-release. The game’s removal from circulation marks the end of an era, but it’s important to remember that its longevity is something to celebrate.

As a tech enthusiast, I’ve noticed that games like Forza frequently face delistings due to hefty expenses associated with licensing car brands and official soundtracks. This financial burden often leads to these titles being deactivated four years after their initial release, with content updates ceasing two years later, paving the way for the next edition in the series.

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As an analyst, I can confidently say that the success of Forza Horizon 4, with its continuous updates for an extra year and three more years of availability since its release, is a promising indicator for the ongoing momentum of Forza Horizon 5, a game that’s been thriving over three years after its debut in 2021. There’s no word yet on when Forza Horizon 5 might eventually be withdrawn from sale, but it continues to expand with new vehicles and even fresh music additions each month.

In simpler terms, when Forza Horizon 4 reaches its “end-of-life”, it means that the game will no longer be available for purchase on digital platforms such as the Microsoft Store and Steam. It will also be removed from services like Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and any other subscriptions it’s currently part of. Additionally, all Forza Horizon 4 DLC (Downloadable Content) will also be discontinued.

This statement does not imply that Forza Horizon 4 will no longer be playable in the future. If you currently own the game, either physically or digitally, you can download and carry on playing FH4 as usual, for an indefinite period, with access to all your content. However, it’s important to note that if the game is delisted on December 15, 2024, you won’t be able to play it unless you purchase a digital code or physical copy from third-party retailers before then.

You have two weeks left to grab Forza Horizon 4, along with its base game, expansions, car pass, and any other DLC you might have missed! A convenient option is purchasing the Forza Horizon 4 Ultimate Edition at Amazon for only $19.99, which comes packed with most of the game’s content and additional downloadable content.

When will Forza Horizon 4 be delisted?

Will I lose access if I already own Forza Horizon 4?

Yes, if you own either a digital or physical version of Forza Horizon 4, along with any associated DLC, you can still access and play the game in full. Contrary to any concerns, Forza Horizon 4 will not disappear from your library or become unplayable. The decision to stop selling it is only about halting new purchases; you can continue enjoying the game as usual.

Will I be able to buy Forza Horizon 4 after its end-of-life date?

From January 16th, 2025, Forza Horizon 4 will no longer be available for purchase through digital marketplaces or subscriptions. Nevertheless, you can potentially acquire a copy of the game from third-party vendors like Amazon by purchasing either a digital code or a physical disc. Redeemable digital codes will still function after FH4 is removed, but supplies will be scarce—when retailers exhaust their stock, no more copies will be available. It’s advisable to buy the game sooner rather than later to avoid potential shortages.

Will I be able to buy Forza Horizon 4’s DLC if I already own the game?

Yes, a simple way to rephrase the given text could be: Regrettably, all additional content for Forza Horizon 4, such as expansions and car packs, will no longer be available for purchase starting December 15, 2024. Since DLC is not typically offered via digital codes or physical disks, it’ll effectively become unobtainable after this date if you haven’t already bought it. To ensure you don’t miss out on any Forza Horizon 4 DLC, make sure to purchase them before December 15, 2024.

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2024-12-02 21:09