In an unexpected move, Xbox's renowned racing game, Forza Horizon 5, is set to make its debut on PlayStation. Playground Games recently announced that this latest installment of the Forza Horizon series will be available on PS5 this spring, marking it as the next Xbox exclusive to transition to the PlayStation platform, following titles like Sea of Thieves and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
Developed in collaboration with Panic Button, Turn 10 Studios, and Playground Games, the PS5 version of Forza Horizon 5 will boast the same rich content as its Xbox and PC counterparts. This includes all the Car Packs, as well as the popular Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure expansions, ensuring PlayStation users get the full Forza Horizon experience.
This strategic move aligns with Xbox's growing interest in expanding its game library to non-Xbox platforms, including PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. Xbox head Phil Spencer has openly expressed intentions to support the upcoming Switch 2, signaling a broader strategy to reach gamers across multiple ecosystems.
Recent financial reports from Microsoft highlight the challenges and opportunities in this approach. 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 a nearly 30% drop in console sales. These figures may encourage Xbox to further emphasize Game Pass and increase its presence on other hardware platforms.
Forza Horizon 5 continues the beloved open-world racing series, offering a slightly more arcade-like experience compared to its simulation-focused counterpart, Forza Motorsport. Set in the stunning landscapes of Mexico, the game invites players to race and explore at their leisure. You can dive deeper into our full review of Forza Horizon 5 [ttpp].