In a significant blow to game preservation efforts, Forza Horizon 4, the acclaimed open-world racing game developed by Playground Games, is scheduled for removal from digital marketplaces. The studio, which is part of Microsoft, announced on Tuesday that the title will no longer be purchasable on Steam and the Microsoft Store beginning December 15, 2024. This decision comes just six years after the game’s launch in October 2018.
Playground Games indicated that the delisting stems from ongoing licensing agreements with its partners. Starting on December 15, players will lose the ability to acquire any version of the game—Standard, Deluxe, or Ultimate—along with its downloadable content through digital platforms.
Forza Horizon 4 to exit Steam, Microsoft Store, Game Pass
Along with its removal from Steam and the Microsoft Store, Forza Horizon 4 will also be taken off Xbox Game Pass. Players who currently access the game via Game Pass will be unable to continue playing once it is no longer available in the digital marketplace.
Nevertheless, users who already own the game, whether through digital purchase or physical copies, can still download, install, and enjoy all offline, online, and multiplayer features. Playground Games has assured users that the game servers will remain operational even after the game is delisted.
While the main game will be removed later this year, all downloadable content has already been taken off online stores as of June 25. Players who possess the DLC can still download and use it without any interruptions. Players accessing Forza Horizon 4 through Xbox Game Pass who purchased DLC before the delisting will receive a complimentary game token for the Standard Edition of Forza Horizon 4 beginning June 25. This offer is valid only for those with an active, full-paid Game Pass subscription on that date. Game Tokens will be delivered through the Xbox Message Center and will expire on June 25, 2026, if not used.
Updates to the Forza Horizon Festival Playlist
Prior to the game’s delisting, Playground Games will implement several updates to the online Festival Playlist. The final series for Forza Horizon 4, designated Series 77, will be available from July 25 to August 22, after which access to the playlist screen will be disabled.
Currently, Forza Horizon 4 can be found on Steam, the Microsoft Store, and Xbox Game Pass. Playground Games is also running a promotional sale, with discounts offered on the Xbox Store starting July 14. On Steam, the Standard Edition of the game is available at a limited-time discounted price of Rs. 259.
