Forza Horizon 5, the popular open-world racing game developed by Playground Games and published by Xbox Game Studios, officially has its spring 2025 launch date set for PlayStation 5. This marks the first Xbox Game Studios title to make its way across the platform divide, following the recent trends of Xbox releasing more titles on competing consoles. With Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, leading the charge, this decision aligns with his vision of making Xbox titles accessible to as many players as possible.
The racing title, which includes nearly 900 cars and over 40 thematic game updates, is already known for its expansive content. Spring 2025 is set to welcome PS5 players to Mexico’s picturesque roads through the vibrant Horizon Festival, where they’ll have the opportunity to experience the game’s thrilling racing environments for the first time on their console.
Forza Horizon 5 promises to arrive on PS5 with the same rich content as its Xbox and PC counterparts, including previously released car packs and expansions like the Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure DLCs. Playground Games has confirmed this exciting news through their official blog post, emphasizing the quality and fun gameplay players can expect.
"With nearly 900 cars available in the game, over 40 thematic game updates, two expansions, and so much more content, our team is excited to announce..." stated Playground Games highlighting how the port aims to create excitement among PlayStation fans.
The PS5 version of Forza Horizon 5 will also support cross-play with Xbox Series X|S and PC players, allowing friends to race together regardless of their console choice. This multi-platform approach is indicative of Microsoft’s shifting strategy, where building gaming communities transcends hardware limitations.
Phil Spencer’s recent comments reinforce this progressive view of gaming. He noted, "Our strategy is to allow our games to be available," which directly aligns with the release of Forza Horizon 5 on PlayStation. Spencer has been vocal about wanting to dismantle the barriers between gaming communities and making Xbox titles accessible to all.
Forza Horizon 5, hailed by critics with perfect scores, was released to much fanfare back in November 2021, rapidly capturing the attention of racing enthusiasts. The game is celebrated for its stunning graphics, expansive open world based on the diverse landscapes of Mexico, and the thrill of the racing experience. GameSpot described it as "a stunning and beautifully crafted entry..." reflecting its status as one of the best racing games available.
The decision to bring Forza Horizon 5 to PS5 is not only about sharing one of Xbox’s standout titles; it's also about growing the player base and fostering creativity within the community. Developers express enthusiasm about welcoming new players who can now join the established Forza community, bringing fresh talent and skill to the Horizon Festival.
A free update called Horizon Realms will launch simultaneously across all platforms. This exciting new content aims to engage players by allowing them to explore curated collections of previously released Evolving Worlds and introducing surprising elements to keep the gameplay fresh.
With the recent trend of Xbox becoming more accommodating to other consoles, including ports of titles like Sea of Thieves and Hi-Fi Rush, Forza Horizon 5 continues to solidify the notion of Xbox as more than just hardware—it's about creating experiences for players across the board. Xbox's strategy appears to be paying off, as they become one of the world's leading publishers, embracing multi-platform releases to not only grow their community but also increasing revenue potential.
Anticipation is building among racing fans, with the PS5 version of the game available for wishlist on the PlayStation Store. This lets early adopters prepare for the jump to the latest generation of gaming, readying themselves for the exhilarating world of Forza Horizon 5 this spring.
For avid players already exploring the Horizon Festival on Xbox and PC, it’s the perfect opportunity to invite friends to join their joyride. Whether tearing through the soundscapes of Mexico’s varied geography or racing alongside friends online, Forza Horizon 5 promises to deliver thrilling experiences and community engagement among racers of all backgrounds.
Stay tuned to official channels for updates and detailed news surrounding the eagerly awaited launch on PlayStation 5. With the community growing larger, both new and veteran players are excited to sync up and share their adventures on the open road.