Forza Horizon 4 Servers Shutting Down December 15th

Forza Horizon 4 will be delisted from major digital storefronts on December 15, 2024, rendering it impossible to purchase the game or any additional content beyond that date from digital storefronts. The open-world racer has been available since 2018, but fans will finally have to bid farewell to Forza Horizon 4 later this year.

Forza Horizon 4 was one of the most popular Xbox first-party titles of the eighth console generation, using a fictionalized version of the UK as its backdrop. Not only was it considered one of the best open-world driving games of its time, but Forza Horizon 4 was also a huge success for Xbox as it garnered over 24 million players since launch (as of November 2020). Sadly, though, developer Playground Games will be retiring the game before the end of 2024.

Although a Playground developer confirmed two years ago that the studio wasn't planning on delisting Forza Horizon 4 at the time, it seems the moment has unfortunately arrived. A new blog post on the Forza.net website confirms that Forza Horizon 4 will be delisted from Microsoft Store, Steam, and Xbox Game Pass on December 15, due to expiring licenses. Moreover, all the DLCs for the game will be removed for purchase from the aforementioned storefronts starting June 25, so players can only purchase Forza Horizon 4's Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate versions from this point forward until the game is delisted.

Forza Horizon 4 Will Be Unavailable for Purchase After December 15, 2024

The blog post also revealed that Forza Horizon 4's final series, Series 77, will commence on July 25 and end on August 22. After that, players won't be able to access the playlist screen, but the Forza Events screen will remain accessible and provide a selection of daily and weekly challenges and Forzathon Live events. Players who already own a digital or physical version of Forza Horizon 4 can continue to play it normally even after delisting, and Game Pass members with active, "full-paid" subscriptions who have purchased DLC content will receive a game token in the coming days to ensure access.

It's unfortunate to see a highly popular title like Forza Horizon 4 reach end of life status, but expiring licenses for cars and music have long been the reason behind sports and racing games being delisted. Even prior franchise entries like Forza Horizon 3 were delisted due to license and agreement periods coming to a close. Thankfully, players who want to use this opportunity to buy a copy of Forza Horizon 4 can take advantage of an 80% discount on Steam currently, with an upcoming Xbox Store sale on August 14.