The original Forza Horizon briefly reappeared for sale, 6 years after its removal

Six years after it was removed from sale, the original Forza Horizon game briefly reappeared this weekend.

Multiple social media users reported being able to purchase the game from the Xbox Store on Saturday, marking the first time it’s been available since its removal in 2016.

However, by Saturday evening, the game had been removed from sale again. It’s not clear if the title was republished in error or if this is a potential indication that Microsoft intends to make it available again in future.

Forza games have to be removed from sale several years after their release due to the third party licenses the games use to feature real-world cars, tracks and other elements, which will begin to expire.

However, anyone who buys the Forza games before they’re delisted will have them permanently added to their library and available for re-download at any time after they’re delisted. Multiplayer and online services also remain available after the games are delisted.

Most recently, Forza Motorsport 7 was removed from sale in September 2021, just four years after its release.

Playground Games recently rolled out a significant update for the latest game in the racing series, Forza Horizon 5 for Xbox Series X.

The game’s Series 6 update shakes up Forza Horizon 5’s PvP experience, Horizon Open, with several new online features.

It introduces custom racing, allowing users to matchmake with other players based on their chosen racing parameters, such as PI class and race type.