Microsoft’s Forza franchise is expanding beyond its traditional Xbox territory with the debut of Forza Horizon 5 on PlayStation 5 this spring. This marks a significant shift away from Microsoft’s dedication to console exclusivity, and may pave the way for future cross-platform releases.
Forza Horizon 5, developed by Playground Games, takes place in a vibrant, fictionalized Mexico with diverse landscapes and an impressive car collection of over 900 vehicles. The game is available on Xbox consoles and PC, but its PlayStation 5 release will be the first time any mainline Forza game has been playable on a rival Sony console.
The game’s arrival on PS5 comes as Xbox boss Phil Spencer shifts his focus to “game first, not platform first.” This approach indicates that more Xbox Game Studios titles, including Forza Motorsport, may be headed to PlayStation consoles in the future. While there’s no confirmation on this yet, it’s possible we’ll see these titles on the Nintendo Switch 2, considering its increased power.
The PS5 port will be developed by Panic Button with Playground Games’ help. The game will feature cross-play across Xbox, PC, and PS5, allowing players to link up with friends regardless of their platform choice. Existing car packs and expansions will also be available for purchase.
This move could solidify the PlayStation 5 as a top choice for racing enthusiasts, who’ll now have access to exclusive titles like Gran Turismo and Forza Horizon 5. It’s a positive development for gamers, offering more options for immersive gaming experiences.
Source: https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/xbox-forza-horizon-playstation-5.html