Why is Forza Motorsport 7 Going Away? Understanding Licensing, Legacy, and the Future of Forza
The short, definitive answer to why Forza Motorsport 7 was removed from sale on September 15, 2021, is due to expired licensing agreements. This is not an unusual practice in the video game industry, particularly within racing games that feature real-world vehicles and brands. These agreements, typically negotiated for a specific period, allow game developers to use licensed content – such as car models, manufacturer logos, and even track designs – within their games. When these licenses expire, the developers are legally obligated to remove the associated content from sale to avoid copyright infringements. Consequently, the game reaches its “end of life status,” meaning it’s no longer available for purchase on the Microsoft Store or through Xbox Game Pass. While this might be disappointing for fans, it’s a natural consequence of how licensed content operates in gaming. It’s important to remember that the delisting primarily impacts new purchasers; those who bought the game before the cut-off date can still download and play it.
Licensing Agreements: The Backbone of Realistic Racing
Understanding the Complexity
The complexity of licensing agreements in racing games cannot be overstated. Each car, each manufacturer, and even each track often requires a unique agreement. These aren’t just simple deals; they involve negotiations regarding the use of intellectual property, fees, and the length of time a developer can use the assets. For Forza Motorsport 7, these agreements eventually came to their natural conclusion. The sheer number of cars—over 700—within Forza 7 compounded this issue. Maintaining and renegotiating all these agreements was not only a logistical challenge but also a significant financial undertaking for the developers.
Why Not Just Renew?
It’s fair to wonder why Microsoft and Turn 10 Studios didn’t simply renew the licenses. There are numerous reasons why this might not happen:
- Cost: Renewing hundreds of licenses can be incredibly expensive. Sometimes, the cost outweighs the potential sales revenue, especially for older titles.
- Priorities: Resources are often redirected to newer projects. As the gaming industry evolves, developers need to focus on their latest games, which typically generate greater revenue.
- Negotiation Challenges: Not every licensing partner may agree to renewal terms. It’s possible that some manufacturers might have shifted their priorities or are unwilling to engage in new deals.
- Technical Considerations: Updating older titles to meet contemporary standards can be challenging. In some cases, moving focus to a new title using new game engine is more efficient.
Legacy and the Future of Forza
Focusing on New Generations
While the end-of-life status of Forza 7 might feel like a loss, it also signals the transition towards newer and better games. This transition is a normal part of the game development cycle. By discontinuing support for older titles, resources can be invested in developing newer games with advanced graphics, more immersive gameplay, and cutting-edge features. The removal of Forza 7, which was succeeded by Forza Motorsport (2023), demonstrates this push towards the future.
Preserving the Experience
It’s important to note that while the game is no longer available for purchase, the online multiplayer functionality for Forza Motorsport 7 remains active for those who own the game, which means players can still experience most of the games content. This means that fans who purchased the game prior to its delisting can still enjoy the online and offline features of this acclaimed racing game. Moreover, this also highlights how game companies are preserving the experience while shifting focus to newer games.
The Constant Evolution of the Series
The Forza franchise is known for its constant evolution. Each new release introduces improvements in graphics, physics, and gameplay, aiming to deliver the most authentic and engaging racing experience possible. The transition from Forza Motorsport 7 to Forza Motorsport (2023) demonstrates this evolutionary process. The newer title features more detailed graphics enabled by Xbox Series X and Series S consoles and presents an enhanced experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Forza Motorsport 7
What does “end of life status” mean for Forza Motorsport 7?
“End of life status” means that Forza Motorsport 7 and its downloadable content (DLC) are no longer available for purchase on the Microsoft Store or through Xbox Game Pass.
Can I still play Forza Motorsport 7 if I already own it?
Yes, if you purchased Forza Motorsport 7 before its delisting date, you can still download and play the game, including its DLC content.
Does the removal affect the online multiplayer?
No, the removal only impacts the ability to purchase the game. Online multiplayer and services remain active for those who own the game.
Why are older Forza games delisted?
Older Forza games, like Forza Motorsport 6, Forza Horizon 1, Forza Horizon 2, and Forza Horizon 3, are delisted due to expiring licensing agreements for the vehicles, tracks, and other content they contain.
When was Forza Motorsport 7 released?
Forza Motorsport 7 was released on October 3, 2017, for Windows 10 and the Xbox One family of consoles.
Can I play Forza 7 offline?
Yes, Forza Motorsport 7 can be played offline. You can create custom single-player races in Free Play mode without an active internet connection.
Is there split screen multiplayer in Forza Motorsport 7?
Yes, Forza Motorsport 7 supports split-screen multiplayer for two players on the same console.
What is the latest Forza Motorsport game?
The latest Forza Motorsport game is simply titled Forza Motorsport, released in 2023, which succeeds Forza Motorsport 7.
How many cars are in the new Forza Motorsport (2023)?
The base game of Forza Motorsport (2023) includes 499 cars, with additional cars available through DLC and other packs.
Will Forza Motorsport (2023) have VR support?
Currently, there is no official word or indication of VR support being implemented in Forza Motorsport (2023).
What are some of the differences between Forza Motorsport 7 and Forza Motorsport (2023)?
Forza Motorsport (2023) is a reboot of the series, boasting improved graphics, physics, and updated gameplay elements, made possible by the Xbox Series X and Series S consoles.
What happened to Forza Horizon 3?
Forza Horizon 3 was decommissioned on September 27, 2020, meaning it’s no longer available for purchase. Online services for this title were discontinued.
When were online services shut down for Forza Horizon 1 and 2?
Online services for Forza Horizon 1 and Forza Horizon 2 were shut down on August 22, 2023. These titles and their associated DLC were also delisted earlier.
Where will Forza Horizon 6 be set?
Recent rumors indicate that the next installment in the Forza Horizon series will be set in Japan.
Where can I find more information about delisted Forza games?
You can find more information about delisted Forza games and their end of life status on the official Forza.net blog.
By understanding the complexities of licensing, the ongoing evolution of the Forza series, and the reasons why older games get delisted, we can appreciate the efforts developers undertake to provide fans with top-notch racing experiences, while also looking forward to new exciting titles in the future.