Big news for cars fans, notably those with a preference for Porsche; Turn 10 has confirmed that there will be no Porsche presence in Forza 4. This unfortunate turn of events is due to EA’s control over the Porsche brand in gaming. Much like with Gran Turismo, Forza 4 will have to make due with German-based RUF to show off what a Porsche-based car can do.
"This kills me. While Forza Motorsport 4 will feature RUF, it will not include Porsche cars," said Turn 10 creative director Dan Greenwalt. "As many of you know, since the beginning of the Forza franchise, the Porsche license has been available only through a sub-licensing deal with EA. In Forza 3, we were able to feature more than 35 different Porsche models by offering to collaborate with EA.
“For Forza 4, we were looking forward to adding even more Porsche cars, and we were especially looking forward to featuring multiple Porsche experiences in our new Autovista mode. In the end, however, EA couldn't see their way towards collaborating again."
That means no Porsche 911s, Caymans, Boxsters or even the likes of the GT3 RS for Forza 4. In Porsche’s place is RUF, a manufacturer that uses Porsche bodies as a framework for their own creations.
"While we respect EA's need to run their business as they see fit, we've regularly collaborated in the past and hope we can find our way back to that approach," commented Greenwalt.
"I'm very sorry for all of this. Fans shouldn't have to think about any of this -- you should just be able to drive Porsches and Ferraris in the games you love. Porsche makes wonderful cars and I'm sorry that we won't have them in Forza 4. As I mentioned earlier, we have added three RUF cars in Forza 4. RUF is a manufacturer in their own right, not simply an aftermarket mod shop -- they completely remanufacture and enhance the models that they start from, and the results are unique, incredibly fast, and the cars look great. Losing more than 35 Porsche models is a lost opportunity for Porsche fans (as well as a lost opportunity to make future Porsche fans), but I hope that Forza 4 players understand and enjoy the new makes and models that have taken their place."
EA has yet to comment on their decision to pull licensing of the Porsche brand for Forza 4.
