In an exciting development for racing game enthusiasts, Forza Horizon 5, a hallmark title from Xbox's popular racing franchise, is set to make its debut on PlayStation. In a surprising move, Playground Games revealed that the latest installment in the Forza Horizon series will be available on PS5 this spring. This marks another significant Xbox exclusive transitioning to the PlayStation console, following titles like Sea of Thieves and the upcoming Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
The PlayStation 5 version of Forza Horizon 5 has been meticulously developed by Panic Button in collaboration with Turn 10 Studios and Playground Games. Players on PS5 can look forward to experiencing the same rich content available on Xbox and PC. This includes all Car Packs, as well as the thrilling Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure expansions, ensuring a comprehensive Forza Horizon 5 experience on PlayStation.
This strategic move reflects Xbox's increasing interest in expanding its gaming ecosystem to non-Xbox platforms, including PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. Xbox's leadership, including Phil Spencer, has openly discussed plans to support the upcoming Switch 2, signaling a shift towards a more inclusive gaming strategy.
Recent financial insights from Microsoft's investor calls shed light on the motivations behind this expansion. While Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has attracted 4 million players and Game Pass on PC has seen a 30% growth, leading to a 2% increase in services revenue, overall gaming revenue has declined, with console sales dropping nearly 30%. These figures may encourage Xbox to further prioritize Game Pass and broaden its game availability across different hardware platforms.
Forza Horizon 5 continues the legacy of the open-world racing series, offering a more arcade-like experience compared to its racing simulation counterpart, Forza Motorsport. Set in the stunning landscapes of Mexico, Forza Horizon 5 invites players to race and explore at their leisure. For a deeper dive into what makes this game a must-play, you can read our comprehensive review [ttpp].