The Forza Horizon series, published by Microsoft Studios and developed by Playground Games, represents a pinnacle of open-world racing simulation. However, its commercial lifecycle creates a significant digital preservation problem. Due to aggressive music licensing, car manufacturer contracts, and branding agreements, entries in the series are systematically delisted from digital storefronts approximately four years post-launch. This paper argues that delisted Forza Horizon titles—specifically the original Forza Horizon (2012) and Forza Horizon 2 (2014)—meet the ethical and functional criteria for "abandonware," despite remaining under active copyright. It examines the legal barriers, the community-driven preservation efforts, and proposes a limited statutory exemption for vehicle-based cultural artifacts.
The Digital Wreckage of Horizon: Forza, Licensing, and the Case for Abandonware forza horizon abandonware
AI Research Unit Date: April 13, 2026