Video games are sometimes pulled from online retailers, prohibiting fresh purchases. Any downloadable material (DLC) linked to these games likewise disappears, even though physical copies that already exist can still be played. In the gaming industry, this happens frequently and is usually the result of expiring licensing agreements.
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Forza Horizon 4 May Be Removed from Stores Because of License Agreements
This licencing deal is the reason for the impending delisting of Forza Horizon 4, an Xbox exclusive. Playground Games released this well-liked open-world racing game in 2018, but it may soon be taken down from digital stores. Playground Games stated in a formal post on the Forza website that the main cause of the game’s digital unavailability is licensing concerns.
On December 15, 2024, Forza Horizon 4 will be removed from digital stores like Steam and the Microsoft Store due to these licensing and collaboration agreements. This indicates that after this date, online retailers will no longer be able to sell the game or any of its extra features.
Resulting from Delisting
This development is really frequent in the Forza series, so it’s a bit terrible. The use of licensed vehicles and major teamwork is subject to a shelf life restriction in the game. Although it seems Microsoft is moving swiftly to fix the problem and compensate impacted users, fans still have until December 15 to buy the game and its DLC digitally.
Microsoft’s Remuneration Plan
Microsoft is taking proactive steps to compensate players for the delisting. Xbox users have reported getting free Forza Horizon 4 codes. Gamers who purchased the DLC for Forza Horizon 4 are receiving tickets for a complete game download from Microsoft and Playground Games. This was first noticed by Twitter user Wario64 and later verified by many Reddit users. As a thank you, these codes are being sent out via Xbox messaging.
Those that purchased DLC material and played Forza Horizon 4 through Xbox Game Pass will not be excluded, according to the official Forza website. If any additional content for Forza Horizon 4 was purchased by players who have an active, fully paid (non-discounted) Xbox Game Pass subscription as of June 25th, they would be entitled to get a game token. In the next days, the codes will be sent out via the Xbox Message Center; nevertheless, it might take some time until all qualified players receive their tokens.
Qualifications and Restrictions
There are strict requirements to meet in order to be eligible to receive the game token. DLC purchases made by lapsed Game Pass subscribers or those who purchased Game Pass at a discounted price will not qualify. This indicates that there are fewer qualified players than might first seem.
This is a commendable gesture from Microsoft, despite these constraints. Companies who pay players in this way after a game is delisted are very uncommon in the gaming business. A lot of games are taken down from online retailers without offering any sort of notice or payment to players who bought DLC to support the game.
Forward-Looking
While delistings can be difficult for creators as well as players, Microsoft’s handling of the delisting of Forza Horizon 4 is a good example. It demonstrates the actions businesses can take to lessen the consequences of such choices. This shows a dedication to player happiness and establishes a standard that other publishers and game developers may choose to follow.
The way businesses manage game delistings is going to become an increasingly crucial part of customer relations as the digital age progresses. Within the gaming community, loyalty and goodwill can be fostered by making sure that players feel valued and respected even when their games are unavailable.
Although Forza Horizon 4’s delisting is upsetting, there is some positive news because of Microsoft’s proactive approach of giving eligible players complimentary game codes in exchange. In the face of inevitable licensing issues, our action emphasizes the value of careful communication and player support. This shows a dedication to player happiness and establishes a standard that other publishers and game developers may choose to follow.