Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 Requires a Microsoft Account, as Other Xbox Games on Sony’s Consoles Do

Playing Forza Horizon 5 on PlayStation 5 requires a Microsoft account, as confirmed by Microsoft. This is detailed in a Forza support FAQ: "Yes, in addition to a PSN account, you’ll need to link a Microsoft account to play Forza Horizon 5 on PS5. This begins when you first launch the game."

This policy aligns with other Xbox games on PlayStation, including Minecraft, Grounded, and Sea of Thieves. However, it's sparked controversy, with some expressing concern about game preservation. The fear is that if Microsoft discontinues account linking or a player loses access to their Microsoft account, the game might become unplayable. This concern is amplified by the game's digital-only release on PS5.

This situation echoes the backlash against Sony's now-reversed requirement for PSN account linking in Helldivers 2 on PC. While Sony initially mandated linking, they later rescinded the policy following online criticism, offering bonuses for those who still linked their accounts.

Reaction to the Forza Horizon 5 Microsoft account requirement is mixed. Many PS5 players are questioning cross-progression. The FAQ clarifies that Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 doesn't share save files with Xbox or PC versions. While user-generated content (UGC) can be transferred between platforms, editing is only possible on the original save profile. However, online statistics linked to a Microsoft account *are* synchronized.

Forza Horizon 5's multiplatform release is part of Microsoft's broader strategy. Expect more Xbox games on rival consoles in the future.