In a surprising turn of events, Playground Games has officially announced that its critically acclaimed racing title, Forza Horizon 5, will be making its way to the PlayStation 5 this spring.
This marks a significant shift for the franchise, which has long been a staple of Xbox consoles since its inception.
The announcement comes on the heels of Microsoft’s recent earnings report, which revealed a notable decline in Xbox hardware revenue, prompting speculation about the company’s strategy moving forward.
Forza Horizon 5, which originally launched in November 2021, has been celebrated for its expansive open-world environment set in a vibrant rendition of Mexico.
The game has garnered a massive player base, with over 20 million players reported by June 2022.
With nearly 900 cars and a plethora of content, including two major expansions, the PS5 version is expected to deliver the same rich experience as its PC and Xbox counterparts.
One of the most exciting features of the upcoming PS5 release is the inclusion of cross-play support.
This means that players on PS5 will be able to race alongside their friends on Xbox and PC, fostering a larger and more diverse online community.
This cross-platform capability is anticipated to enhance the multiplayer experience, allowing players to engage in various online modes without platform restrictions.
In addition to the PS5 launch, Playground Games is also working on a free content update titled "Horizon Realms."
This update aims to bring a curated selection of the most popular seasonal activities from the game, along with some surprises for the community.
Details about this update are expected to be revealed in the near future.
The announcement of Forza Horizon 5’s arrival on PS5 has sparked discussions about the potential for other Xbox-exclusive titles to follow suit.
Rumours have circulated regarding the possibility of franchises like Gears of War and Halo making their way to PlayStation, especially in light of Microsoft’s more open approach to releasing first-party titles on competing platforms.
While specific pricing and release dates have yet to be announced, players can already wishlist the game on the PlayStation Store.
With the gaming industry evolving rapidly, the arrival of Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 not only signifies a new chapter for the franchise but also highlights the changing dynamics of console exclusivity.
As more players gain access to this beloved racing title, the excitement surrounding its launch continues to grow.
