In a surprising turn of events, Playground Games has announced that the acclaimed racing game, Forza Horizon 5, is making its way to the PlayStation 5 this spring. This move marks another Xbox exclusive transitioning to the PlayStation platform, following in the footsteps of titles like Sea of Thieves and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
The PS5 edition of Forza Horizon 5 has been crafted by Panic Button, in collaboration with Turn 10 Studios and Playground Games, ensuring that it delivers the same rich content available on Xbox and PC. Fans will be pleased to know that this version includes all the Car Packs, as well as the thrilling Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure expansions.
This strategic shift reflects Xbox's growing interest in expanding its game library to non-Xbox platforms, such as PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. Xbox executive Phil Spencer has even voiced support for the upcoming Switch 2.
Recent financial disclosures from Microsoft shed light on the broader context of this move. While Indiana Jones and the Great Circle attracted 4 million players, and Game Pass on PC saw a 30% growth boosting services revenue by 2%, overall gaming revenue declined due to a nearly 30% drop in console sales. This financial landscape may encourage Xbox to focus more on Game Pass and broaden its game distribution across various hardware platforms.
Forza Horizon 5 continues the beloved open-world racing series, offering a more arcade-style experience compared to its simulation counterpart, Forza Motorsport. Players can immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes of Mexico, racing and exploring at their leisure. For a deeper dive into the game, check out our comprehensive review here.