Microsoft is using Forza Horizon 5 as a test case for its strategy of requiring Xbox/Microsoft accounts on PlayStation consoles. By making the popular racing game exclusive to PS5 and adding an Xbox/Microsoft account requirement, Microsoft aims to engage players with its services and create a “halo effect” that can be used to promote other Microsoft offerings.
The idea is simple: by linking a Microsoft account to Forza Horizon 5 on PS5, players will also gain access to Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, and other Microsoft services. This strategy has been successful in the past with Minecraft, where a Microsoft account was required for certain features, and it’s likely that it will be used again.
However, critics may argue that this approach limits the ability of existing users to play Forza Horizon 5 on different platforms, as save files from PC or Xbox cannot be accessed on PS5. Nevertheless, Microsoft’s long-term goal is to create a seamless experience across all its services, and requiring an Xbox/Microsoft account seems like a step in the right direction.
As for what this means for Xbox hardware and its audience footprint, only time will tell. But one thing is certain: Microsoft is committed to creating a unique gaming experience that sets it apart from competitors, and Forza Horizon 5’s requirements are just another part of that strategy.
Source: https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/xboxs-take-over-of-playstation-continues-with-forza-horizon-5s-microsoft-account-requirement