Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft’s popular gaming subscription service, is once again cycling out several games this month. On December 15, seven games will officially leave the platform, including two of its most critically acclaimed titles: Forza Horizon 4 and Rise of the Tomb Raider.
While removals are part of the regular ebb and flow of Xbox Game Pass, the loss of these beloved games stings particularly hard for subscribers.
Summary:
- Forza Horizon 4 and Rise of the Tomb Raider are leaving Xbox Game Pass on December 15, with Forza Horizon 4 being permanently delisted.
- Other games like The Quarry and Tin Hearts are also leaving the service on December 15.
- Subscribers can buy the departing games at a 20% discount before they disappear.
- New games like Forza Motorsport and Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled are joining the service, with more titles expected in January 2025.
Forza Horizon 4 Leaves for Good
Unlike other titles that might return to the service in the future, Forza Horizon 4 is leaving Xbox Game Pass permanently. The reason behind its departure comes down to expiring music and vehicle licenses, a common issue for racing games.
As a result, not only will Forza Horizon 4 leave Xbox Game Pass, but it will also be delisted from digital storefronts like Steam and the Xbox Store.
Despite its removal, there is a silver lining for players who wish to keep the game. Microsoft has slashed the prices of Forza Horizon 4 by 80% across all platforms, bringing the Standard Edition down to $11.99 and the Ultimate Edition to $19.99.
For anyone looking to preserve one of the most beloved Xbox exclusives, this discount offers a last-minute opportunity to own the game permanently. Importantly, the game’s servers will remain online, ensuring that fans can continue to enjoy its robust multiplayer features.
Playground Games, the developer of the Forza Horizon series, has not yet announced plans to shut down support for the title. However, with Forza Horizon 5 taking the spotlight since its release, this marks the end of an era for one of Microsoft’s flagship racing experiences.
Rise of the Tomb Raider Bids Farewell
Another notable departure is Rise of the Tomb Raider, one of the most critically acclaimed entries in the long-running Tomb Raider series. Featuring thrilling action, stunning visuals, and a gripping story, the game holds an impressive 86 Metacritic rating. Its exit on December 15 will undoubtedly disappoint fans, particularly those who have yet to experience Lara Croft’s adventurous journey.
Thankfully, players still have the chance to purchase the game at a 20% discount while it remains on the Game Pass library. Given its strong replay value and expansive single-player campaign, Rise of the Tomb Raider remains a worthwhile addition to any digital library.
The Full List of Games Leaving December 15
In addition to Forza Horizon 4 and Rise of the Tomb Raider, Xbox Game Pass subscribers will lose five other titles this month. While not as high-profile, these games cater to a variety of gaming preferences, from horror to family-friendly adventures. Here’s the full list:
- Amnesia: The Bunker (Cloud, Console, PC)
- Forager (Cloud, Console, PC)
- Rainbow Billy: The Curse of the Leviathan (Cloud, Console, PC)
- The Quarry (Cloud, Console)
- Tin Hearts (Cloud, Console, PC)
For horror fans, The Quarry is a standout title, offering a cinematic and interactive experience similar to Until Dawn. Meanwhile, Amnesia: The Bunker caters to those seeking a spine-chilling survival horror adventure. On the lighter side, Forager and Rainbow Billy offer colorful, family-friendly gameplay experiences.
More Removals on the Horizon
While December 15 brings the first wave of losses, subscribers should brace for another round of departures at the end of the month. Microsoft has already confirmed that six additional games will leave Xbox Game Pass on December 31. Among them is LEGO 2K Drive, a hit with younger audiences, and Party Animals, a popular day-one multiplayer title that has been a favorite since its launch.
Here’s what’s leaving on December 31:
- BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle (Cloud, Console, PC)
- Close to the Sun (Cloud, Console, PC)
- Humankind (Cloud, Console, PC)
- LEGO 2K Drive (Cloud, Console)
- McPixel 3 (Cloud, Console, PC)
- Party Animals (Cloud, Console)
Why Do Games Leave Xbox Game Pass?
The regular addition and removal of games on Xbox Game Pass is a result of licensing agreements with publishers. While some games, particularly first-party titles, remain on the platform indefinitely, third-party games often come with time-limited deals. When these contracts expire, Microsoft must either renegotiate or remove the games from the service.
In the case of Forza Horizon 4, the expiring vehicle and music licenses make renegotiation impossible, leading to its permanent removal and delisting. For other titles, like Rise of the Tomb Raider, the departure is less final, as such games could return to Game Pass in the future.
Looking Ahead – New Titles on the Way
Despite the losses, December isn’t all bad news for Xbox Game Pass subscribers. Earlier this month, Microsoft added Forza Motorsport to the Standard tier and introduced Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled to Game Pass Ultimate. Additionally, January 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting month, with anticipated day-one titles like Eternal Strands and Citizen Sleeper 2 set to join the lineup.
As Microsoft continues to evolve Xbox Game Pass, the balance of removals and additions will remain an ongoing challenge. Still, the platform’s ever-growing catalog ensures that there’s always something new for subscribers to explore.
Final Thoughts
While the departure of seven games – including Forza Horizon 4 and Rise of the Tomb Raider – is disappointing, it’s a stark reminder of the transitory nature of subscription services. For players, this serves as a nudge to make the most of their favorite titles while they’re available. Whether through discounted purchases or last-minute play sessions, there’s still time to enjoy these games before they’re gone.
As Xbox Game Pass continues to grow and adapt, the loss of beloved titles is an unfortunate but necessary part of its evolution. For now, subscribers can look ahead to the new titles on the horizon while saying farewell to these classics.
What do you think of these changes? Let us know in the comments below.
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