Developer Playground Games is apparently giving out free copies of its critically acclaimed racing game, Forza Horizon 4, to some Xbox Game Pass subscribers ahead of the title's delisting later this year.
The new development comes as Forza Horizon 4 was published by Xbox Game Studios and some players who bought only DLC for the game and accessed it via Xbox Game Pass a free copy.
Forza Horizon 4 for Free
(Photo : Playground Games / Screenshot taken from Steam)
It also comes as the developer previously announced that the game was set to be delisted at the end of the year.
Forza Horizon 4 was initially launched in 2018 and similar to other entries in the franchise, it will be removed from storefronts and Xbox Game Pass. The decision was due to licensing agreements for music and cars coming to an end.
But now, some Xbox Game Pass subscribers have been receiving Xbox messages that give them free copies of the Forza Horizon 4 digital Standard Edition.
In order to get in on this deal, players will have to have a fully paid (not discounted) Xbox Game Pass subscription as of June 25, 2024, according to Windows Central.
Another requirement is that they should have previously purchased add-on content for the game. For people who are eligible, they will receive a code via their Xbox Message Center.
So far, it has been said that code distribution is staggered. This means that some players will need to wait a few days before getting their code.
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The exact date that Forza Horizon 4 is going to be delisted is Dec. 15, 2024, and it will also be removed from Valve's gaming platform, Steam. Previously, Xbox had previously said that all first-party games would be coming to the Xbox Game Pass service and remain there in perpetuity.
However, this is something that has been consistently tested by the expiration of game licenses of many titles. One game that received the same treatment is Quantum Break, which left the service due to suspected licensing issues.
A Thank You for Players
When Forza Horizon 4 was first released in 2018, it went on to become one of the highest-rated video games that was released that year. Many players praised the racing game for its impressive graphics, massive open world, and addictive racing gameplay, said GameRant.
Similar to Forza Horizon 4, other racing games are also commonly delisted due to expiring licenses, which is just an unfortunate set of events. On top of its many free updates, the racing game received two major premium expansions.
The first was known as Fortune Island which gave Forza Horizon 4 players a brand-new island to explore. The second was known as LEGO Speed Champions, which introduced everything that an impressive LEGO makeover would typically include.
The two expansions were both well-received by fans and added substantial, meaningful content to the gaming experience. Some players who have received free copies of the game have shared timestamps as proof of the legitimacy of the news.
The message writes, "Thank you for playing Forza Horizon 4 with Xbox Game Pass. This game will no longer be available with Game Pass or purchasable in the Microsoft Store after 12/15/24. As a token of our appreciation for your purchase of add-on content, here is a code for the digital Standard Edition to continue enjoying the game!" according to ComicBook.
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