In a surprising move, Playground Games has announced that Forza Horizon 5, the beloved Xbox racing title, is set to make its debut on the PlayStation 5 this spring. This follows a trend of Xbox exclusives branching out to other platforms, with titles like Sea of Thieves and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle also making their way to PlayStation.
The PS5 version of Forza Horizon 5 has been meticulously crafted by Panic Button, in collaboration with Turn 10 Studios and Playground Games. Players can expect the full experience available on Xbox and PC, including all Car Packs, as well as the thrilling Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure expansions.
This strategic shift aligns with Xbox's increasing focus on expanding its game availability across non-Xbox platforms, such as PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. Xbox executive Phil Spencer has openly expressed support for the upcoming Switch 2, indicating a broader strategy to reach more gamers.Recent financial disclosures from Microsoft shed light on the motivations behind this move. While Indiana Jones and the Great Circle attracted 4 million players and Game Pass on PC saw a 30% growth, boosting service revenue by 2%, overall gaming revenue declined, with console sales plummeting nearly 30%. This scenario may encourage Xbox to further emphasize Game Pass and extend its game library to other hardware.
Forza Horizon 5 continues the legacy of the open-world racing series, offering a more arcade-style experience compared to its simulation-focused counterpart, Forza Motorsport. Set in the stunning landscapes of Mexico, players can race and explore at their leisure. For a deeper dive into the game, you can check out our comprehensive review here.