If you’re planning to buy Forza Horizon 5 on PS5, be aware that you must create or link a Microsoft account. While not all Xbox games on PlayStation require this, Sea of Thieves already set a precedent for mandatory account linking.

Forza Horizon 5 is widely regarded as one of the best open-world racing games in recent years. With over 40 million players across Xbox Series X|S and PC, the game has already built a massive community. Now, its PlayStation debut is expected to attract even more players eager to race across Mexico’s stunning landscapes. However, one unexpected detail has caught many by surprise.

It was recently confirmed that in order to play Forza Horizon 5 on PS5, you will be required to create a Microsoft account or link an existing one. “In addition to a PSN account, you must link a Microsoft account to play Forza Horizon 5 on PS5. This process begins the first time you launch the game on your console,” reads the PlayStation Network FAQ. We’ve already seen a similar requirement with Sea of Thieves, which turned out to be a major success on PS5.

Microsoft’s Strategy Behind This Move

Not all Xbox games force players to link a Microsoft account—this is generally required only for certain features, such as cross-platform play. According to Windows Central, however, PS5 players won’t have access to their saved progress from PC or Xbox. The reason? Microsoft aims to expand its player base while keeping users connected to the Xbox ecosystem.

Regardless, Microsoft has already secured a win with Forza Horizon 5 on PS5, as the racing game is now one of the most pre-ordered titles on the PlayStation Store.

Looking ahead, Forza Horizon 6 may take a different approach. Rumors suggest that it could launch simultaneously on PS5, Xbox, and PC with full cross-progression support. Meanwhile, Microsoft continues to merge account systems, and in the near future, Battle.net and Activision accounts may also be fully integrated into Microsoft’s platform, much like what happened with Minecraft years ago.

Source: 3djuegos