Forza Horizon 6 is announced for Japan but with temporary exclusivity

Microsoft has officially revealed Forza Horizon 6, confirming long-standing speculation that the next chapter of the racing series will be set in Japan. The game, set to be released in 2026, will be available on the Xbox Game Pass. However, the news of the expansion to other platforms comes with a caveat: the PlayStation 5 version will be released at a later date.

The announcement, made through a video on Instagram ahead of the showcase at the Xbox Tokyo Game Show, confirmed what had already been suggested by leaks. Microsoft stated that Forza Horizon 6 will come to the PlayStation 5, but only "after the initial launch." The temporary exclusivity strategy, even if reduced, ensures a period of exclusive access for Xbox and PC users, while a significant portion of the console gaming community will have to wait. Microsoft's decision to adopt a multi-platform approach for some of its titles is a direct response to the success they have already achieved with this tactic.

The setting of Japan is a major win for the fan base of the series. Rumors about the location circulated after a leak from an Australian car importing company showed a compact Japanese vehicle being scanned by a Playground Games employee. The choice of the country promises a celebration of speed and automotive culture in visually rich environments. For fans, the idea of driving through Japanese urban and rural landscapes is a long-standing desire, and Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios have the opportunity to deliver a completely new experience within a franchise that has remained the latest entry since Forza Horizon 5 in 2021.

The decision to bring the game to the PS5 is justified by the performance of Forza Horizon 5. According to game analyst Alinea, the game was the best-selling on the PS5 in the year of its portability, demonstrating the great potential audience on the platform. The game's popularity is undeniable: in its lifespan, it reached 50 million players on all platforms. The release of Forza Horizon 6 on the PS5, even if delayed, is a strategic move to capitalize on this player base.

The Microsoft statement highlighted that Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios are working together on the project. The collaboration between the two studios, which are veterans in the Forza franchise, suggests a robust development and an experience that aims for the highest standard of quality for the series.

The announcement of Forza Horizon 6 confirms a highly anticipated scenario by fans, Japan, and the expansion to the PlayStation 5, which is a milestone in Microsoft's strategy. However, the waiting of PS5 players for a later release is the only point of contention.