Why Forza Horizon 4 is Being Chosen to Play Over FH5 Now...

Summary

In this video, the creator explores why *Forza Horizon 4* has a higher player count on Steam than *Forza Horizon 5*, despite being an older title. Factors such as the delisting announcement, significant discounts, and a more complete experience in *Forza Horizon 4* are discussed. The video compares key game elements like map design, car lists, and live-service models, arguing that *Forza Horizon 4* offers a more enjoyable and paced experience, free from constant updates. Ultimately, the speaker suggests that future *Forza Horizon* games should focus on creating a balanced, completed experience to maintain long-term player interest.

Takeaways

• 📈 Forza Horizon 4 has consistently outperformed Forza Horizon 5 in player counts on Steam, even though Horizon 5 is the newer game with ongoing updates.
• 💰 The delisting announcement for Forza Horizon 4, along with an 80% discount, led to a significant surge in player numbers, peaking at nearly 76,000 players.
• 🕹️ Horizon 4's unique car packs and expansions, such as the James Bond edition and Barrett Jackson Cars, make it appealing to collectors and racing enthusiasts.
• 🌍 Horizon 4's map is considered more detailed and engaging compared to Horizon 5, with fewer empty spaces and more points of interest.
• ❄️ Horizon 4’s seasonal changes, like snow in winter, offered a unique gameplay experience, even if criticized for gameplay disadvantages during specific seasons.
• 🔄 Players now benefit from Horizon 4 being a 'complete' game, with all past live service content available and no fear of missing out (FOMO).
• 🚫 Horizon 5's system of weekly festival playlists, which require completing races to unlock cars, may not be enough to keep players consistently engaged.
• 🛠️ Horizon 4’s live events and Forza Points system have become more popular now that they are not tied to a limited-time schedule.
• ⚙️ Horizon 5’s additional features, such as a larger car roster and more customization options, are often overshadowed by Horizon 4's strong, player-preferred elements.
• 💭 The future of Horizon 5’s player retention depends on how well future updates or sequels (e.g., Horizon 6) meet player expectations and improve upon past games.

Q & A

Why is Forza Horizon 4 seeing more players than Forza Horizon 5 on Steam?

Forza Horizon 4 is attracting more players due to a combination of factors, such as an upcoming delisting, significant discounts, and the game now offering a complete experience with all its updates and content unlocked, unlike Forza Horizon 5, which still has time-limited events.

What factors contribute to the ongoing popularity of Forza Horizon 4 despite it being an older game?

The game's popularity is sustained by its upcoming delisting, availability of all content, discounts, and the freedom it offers players to progress at their own pace without the pressure of live service updates that are present in Forza Horizon 5.

How does the map in Forza Horizon 4 compare to that of Forza Horizon 5?

While Forza Horizon 5 has a larger map, the map in Forza Horizon 4 is more detailed and thoughtfully designed, with fewer empty areas and more places of interest to explore, making it feel more engaging.

What is the significance of the Forza Horizon 4 delisting announcement for players?

The delisting announcement has led many players to purchase Forza Horizon 4, as it signals that the game will no longer be available digitally after December 15, 2024. This has caused a spike in player interest, especially with the added discounts and bundled offers.

Why might some players prefer Forza Horizon 4 over Forza Horizon 5?

Players might prefer Forza Horizon 4 due to its more relaxed structure, where content is available at any time, and there is no rush to complete time-limited events. This contrasts with Forza Horizon 5’s reliance on weekly Festival Playlist events and limited-time rewards.

What unique features does Forza Horizon 4 offer that Forza Horizon 5 lacks?

Forza Horizon 4 offers unique content like the James Bond Edition car pack, the Barrett-Jackson cars, and a detailed map with real-world locations like Edinburgh, which are exclusive to this title and unavailable in Horizon 5.

How do the seasonal changes in Forza Horizon 4 affect gameplay?

The seasonal changes in Forza Horizon 4, particularly the snow in winter, create a distinct atmosphere and challenge, offering variety to the gameplay. However, the snow in rivals mode was often a disadvantage, which could have been improved for a better experience.

What is the 'FOMO' (Fear of Missing Out) effect in relation to Forza Horizon 4?

In Forza Horizon 4, there is no FOMO since all content, including past live service updates, is unlocked and available. This contrasts with Forza Horizon 5, where limited-time events force players to engage on a specific schedule to avoid missing rewards.

How does the Forza Horizon 4 live event system differ from Horizon 5's?

Forza Horizon 4’s live events, while still ongoing, are simpler and more popular than when the monthly playlist updates were active. Players can participate in events and earn Forza Points that can be exchanged for rare cars, without the complex voting mechanic present in Horizon 5.

Will Forza Horizon 5 maintain its player count after it stops receiving monthly updates?

It’s possible that Forza Horizon 5’s player count may decline once it stops receiving monthly updates, much like the trend seen with Forza Horizon 4. Players may return to it if the game continues to offer a complete experience, similar to how Horizon 4 is benefiting now.