Is Forza Horizon 4 Discontinued? Untangling the Reality
The short answer is no, Forza Horizon 4 (FH4) is NOT discontinued, but it is at its end-of-life stage. While you can still purchase and play the game, it’s important to understand what that means in terms of ongoing support, updates, and its future availability. Let’s dive deeper into the nuances of FH4’s current status.
Understanding “End of Life” for Forza Horizon Games
The term “discontinued” can be misleading. In the context of Forza Horizon games, it often refers to the game being delisted from digital storefronts, meaning you can no longer purchase it through the official Microsoft Store or Steam. It doesn’t necessarily mean the servers are shut down immediately.
FH4 has reached its “end of life” stage. This means:
- No more new content updates: Playground Games has moved on to focusing on Forza Horizon 5 and future projects. Don’t expect any new cars, events, or expansions for FH4.
- Continued server support (for now): The online servers for FH4 are still active, allowing you to race with friends, participate in online events, and access multiplayer features. However, there’s no guarantee how long these servers will remain online.
- Potential delisting in the future: While there’s no immediate plan to delist FH4, it’s likely to happen eventually due to expiring licenses for cars, music, and other licensed content within the game. This is a common practice for Forza titles.
Therefore, while FH4 isn’t currently discontinued, its lifecycle is winding down. Enjoy it while you can!
Forza Horizon 4: Still Worth Playing?
Even without ongoing content updates, FH4 remains a fantastic racing game with a vast open world, a huge selection of cars, and engaging gameplay. If you haven’t experienced it yet, it’s still worth picking up while it’s available. The game’s vibrant world, varied seasons, and thrilling races offer countless hours of entertainment. The question for many players is whether to choose it or the newer FH5, considering the latter has the new content.
Forza Horizon Legacy
The Forza Horizon franchise has proven itself to be extremely successful. And understanding the longevity of each game within the franchise is important for both experienced players and new players alike. As more recent versions of Forza Horizon are released, the team’s focus will inevitably move to supporting and improving those new versions, as they should.
FAQs: Your Forza Horizon 4 Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the status of FH4 and its future:
1. Is FH4 still available for purchase?
Yes, as of right now, Forza Horizon 4 is still available for purchase on the Microsoft Store and Steam. This could change at any time, so if you’re interested in buying it, don’t wait too long.
2. Will FH4 be removed from Game Pass?
Forza Horizon 4 is still available on Xbox Game Pass. Historically, Forza games are removed from Game Pass around the same time they are delisted from digital storefronts, but there’s no official date set for FH4’s removal.
3. When will FH4 be delisted?
There is no official delisting date for Forza Horizon 4. Playground Games has stated they have no plans to delist the game “anytime soon.” However, given the history of previous Forza titles, it is likely to occur eventually due to licensing issues.
4. Will I still be able to play FH4 if it’s delisted?
Yes, if you already own Forza Horizon 4, you will still be able to download and play it even after it’s delisted. The delisting only prevents new purchases.
5. Will the FH4 servers be shut down?
There is no announced date for the FH4 servers to shut down. In the past, the Forza team has shut down servers for older games when the player base dwindles to focus on newer titles. Expect the servers to remain online for a reasonable period, though this is not guaranteed.
6. Will FH4 still receive updates?
No, Forza Horizon 4 will no longer receive content updates. The final update was released in 2023. Playground Games is focused on supporting Forza Horizon 5 and developing future titles.
7. Is Forza Horizon 5 better than Forza Horizon 4?
This is subjective, but many consider Forza Horizon 5 to be an improvement over Forza Horizon 4. FH5 features a larger map, enhanced graphics, a more diverse range of biomes, and improved gameplay mechanics. However, FH4 remains a great game and a solid choice if you prefer its setting or find it at a lower price.
8. Can I transfer my cars from FH4 to FH5?
No, you cannot directly transfer cars from FH4 to FH5. However, you may receive a few bonus cars in FH5 based on your FH4 progress, as long as both games are linked to the same Xbox Gamertag. This is generally only a few specific cars, not your entire collection.
9. Why do Forza games get delisted?
Forza games get delisted primarily due to expiring licenses for cars, music, and other licensed content. These licenses are time-limited and require renewal, which can be costly and complex. Rather than renew these licenses, Microsoft and Playground Games typically opt to delist the game.
10. Is FH4 worth buying in 2024?
If you can find it at a good price and haven’t played it before, FH4 is still worth buying. It offers a vast open world, a huge car roster, and engaging gameplay. Just be aware that it will no longer receive updates and could be delisted in the future.
11. What happens to my FH4 DLC if the game is delisted?
If you purchase DLC for FH4, you will still be able to access it even after the game is delisted, provided you already own the base game. The DLC is tied to your account, not the game’s availability on the store.
12. Are there any known issues with FH4 that I should be aware of?
As an older game, FH4 may have some minor bugs or glitches. However, the game is generally stable and well-optimized. You can find information about known issues on the official Forza forums.
13. Will FH4 ever get a sequel?
While unlikely, there is always a possibility of a sequel in the distant future. However, Playground Games is currently focused on expanding the Forza Horizon 5 experience and developing new titles.
14. Is Forza Horizon 4 addictive?
Some players find Forza Horizon 4 to be addictive due to its rewarding gameplay loop, vast car collection, and social features. It’s important to play in moderation and be aware of the potential for addiction.
15. Where can I learn more about game design and the educational aspects of games?
The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) is a great resource for information about game design, the educational potential of games, and the latest research in the field.