Xbox App Suggests Game That Was Delisted

Overview

Recently, Xbox mistakenly showcased the delisted title Forza Horizon 3 on its digital platform to a player.
This racing game was removed from digital sales back in 2020, but players who had previously purchased it can still download it.
Additionally, Forza Horizon 5 will be making its way to PlayStation 5 this coming spring.

In a surprising oversight, Xbox has been promoting the now delisted Forza Horizon 3 on its digital storefront. This game, a notable part of Microsoft’s acclaimed Forza racing series, was taken off the market in 2020. Despite this, Xbox continues to recommend it based on user gaming history, raising questions about how a delisted game continues to appear in player suggestions.

The Forza franchise, while not as universally celebrated as titles like Halo or Gears of War, has carved out a significant niche over its 20-year existence, starting with the first release in May 2005. Over the years, Microsoft and Turn 10 Studios have expanded this franchise into a global phenomenon. The series took a new direction in 2012 with the introduction of the Horizon spin-off, offering gamers expansive open-world exploration. Despite the success of this shift, the 2016 release of Forza Horizon 3 has been unavailable online since its delisting.

One Reddit user recently highlighted this peculiar situation when their Xbox system suggested Forza Horizon 3 for gameplay. The game, which is particularly well-received among fans of the series, has been inaccessible for new purchases since September 2020. While the reasons behind this recommendation remain unclear, user feedback ranged from light-hearted comments to theories about why the delisted game appeared in a personalized section of the Xbox store. As one user aptly stated, “It shouldn’t show up in ‘picks for you’ since, you know, it’s a delisted game.”Another pointed out that the game continues to be available for download for those who bought it before it was removed.

Xbox’s Recommendation Dilemma: A Delisted Game Promoted

Why Xbox App shows me a delisted game? There’s no way to buy it. by u/Rexp06_ in xbox

This explanation seems plausible yet still raises eyebrows. Although Forza Horizon 3 is delisted, players who purchased the game prior to its removal can still download and enjoy it. Those with physical copies can also redeem it on the latest Xbox Series X/S consoles. Concerns emerged earlier this year when multiple features of the game went offline, leading fans to fear a complete discontinuation. Thankfully, Playground Games, the developers behind Forza Horizon, resolved these issues by officially “rebooting”the gaming servers.

Despite Forza Horizon 3 being elusive for new players, the Forza franchise remains a standout element in Microsoft’s portfolio of exclusive titles. However, in a notable shift, Xbox has announced the upcoming launch of Forza Horizon 5 on PlayStation 5 this spring. This decision reflects Microsoft’s growing willingness to collaborate with external developers and publishers. The arrival of Forza Horizon 5 on Sony’s platform could reshape the landscape of future gaming releases, leaving fans speculating whether iconic characters like Master Chief will ever make appearances on PlayStation consoles.

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