In a thrilling twist for racing game enthusiasts, Xbox's beloved title, Forza Horizon 5, is set to make its way to the PlayStation 5 this spring. This move marks a significant expansion for the game, which was previously an Xbox exclusive. Playground Games made the unexpected announcement, confirming that the latest installment of the Forza Horizon series will soon be accessible to PS5 players.
Forza Horizon 5 joins the ranks of other Xbox titles like Sea of Thieves and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, which have also made their way to PlayStation. The PS5 version of Forza Horizon 5 has been crafted by Panic Button in collaboration with Turn 10 Studios and Playground Games, ensuring that it matches the Xbox and PC versions in content. Players can look forward to enjoying the same exhilarating experience, complete with Car Packs, and the Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure expansions.
This strategic move aligns with Xbox's broader initiative to bring its games to additional platforms, including PlayStation and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Xbox boss Phil Spencer has publicly expressed the company's commitment to expanding its reach across different consoles.
Recent financial insights from Microsoft's investor call shed light on the motivations behind this shift. While Indiana Jones and the Great Circle attracted 4 million players and Game Pass on PC saw a 30% growth, contributing to a 2% increase in services revenue, overall gaming revenue experienced a decline, with console sales plummeting by nearly 30%. This scenario may encourage Xbox to focus more on Game Pass and extend its game offerings to other hardware platforms.
Forza Horizon 5 continues the tradition of the open-world racing series, offering a more arcade-style experience compared to its simulation-focused counterpart, Forza Motorsport. Set against the stunning backdrop of Mexico, players can race and explore this vibrant world. For a deeper dive into the game, you can check out our comprehensive review here.