The impending delisting of Forza Horizon 4 from the Xbox Store has sparked discussions among gamers and industry insiders alike. As players prepare for the game’s removal on December 15th, Xbox head Phil Spencer shared his sentiments regarding licensing issues that often lead to such situations. This article explores the challenges faced by licensed games and offers insights into Spencer’s approach to managing these complexities.
Delisting Announcement and Background
In June, Microsoft announced that Forza Horizon 4 would be delisted from the Xbox Store starting December 15th. This decision, while anticipated by many, reflects a recurring theme in the Forza franchise, where titles are often removed due to licensing deals that involve numerous car manufacturers.
Phil Spencer recently discussed the implications of these licensing agreements in an interview with Game File. He acknowledged the challenges and expressed his desire to avoid such scenarios, stating, “I’m always very careful when making deals for licensed games.”
Phil Spencer’s Perspective on Licensing
“We’ve seen it in racing games that have to get delisted because you lose certain licenses,” Spencer noted. “So I’m always very careful, if we’re going to take on a license, that we’re doing it for creative reasons, [that] the team has a goal around what they want to do.”
Spencer elaborated on his approach during discussions about upcoming projects such as Indiana Jones and Marvel’s Blade. He emphasized the importance of leveraging intellectual property (IP) that does not carry licensing headaches, suggesting that exploring uncharted IP could alleviate the need for complex agreements.
Nevertheless, the situation surrounding Forza Horizon 4 appears to be a persistent issue without a straightforward resolution. Spencer characterized the current licensing framework as possessing inherent “complexities,” which pose significant obstacles to future iterations of the game unless the franchise evolves to sidestep these complications.
Current Promotions and Future Considerations
Despite the looming delisting, there is good news for players seeking to acquire Forza Horizon 4. The title is currently available at a substantial discount during the Xbox Black Friday Sale. Spencer encourages players to purchase the game while they still can, stating, “do it while you can before it disappears!”
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, discussions surrounding the future of licensed games, particularly in racing titles, remain crucial. Industry experts and players alike continue to ponder if a viable solution to the licensing dilemma exists.
What are your thoughts on the delisting issues affecting titles like Forza Horizon 4? Do you believe a solution will be found in the future?
