Microsoft’s strategy for gaming has evolved in interesting ways. No longer solely focused on pushing Game Pass as its main selling point, the company has also started making select first-party titles available to what was once considered the competition — PlayStation 5. One of the biggest beneficiaries of this shift is Forza Horizon 5, widely regarded as one of the best racing games ever made. However, PS5 gamers eager to experience the game must be ready to sign up for one more thing.
In what feels like poetic justice for a requirement once imposed on PC players, Forza Horizon 5 on PlayStation 5 will require a Microsoft Account to play. When launching the PS5 version for the first time, players must link their Microsoft account with their PlayStation Network (PSN) account. This step is not optional.
This linking process is permanent as well. While players do have the option to unlink the accounts later, if they wish to play Forza Horizon 5 again in the future, they will need to sign in using the same Microsoft account that was initially linked. Once an account is associated with the game, it cannot be replaced with a different Microsoft account.
And for those thinking that there will be cross-platform synergy, that is not happening with this port. Any progress you have made thus far will not be carried over to the PS5 version, same with the Steam version. Multiplayer sessions will also require players to be subscribed to PlayStation Plusa s well.
The PlayStation 5 port of Forza Horizon 5 is being handled by Panic Button, a studio working in close collaboration with Turn 10 Studios and Playground Games. The game is officially set to launch on April 29, with players who purchase the Premium Edition gaining early access starting on April 25.
