Forza Horizon 5 Will Require a Microsoft Account for PS5 Players, Causing Controversy Among Gamers.

In an unexpected twist, Forza Horizon 5, the critically acclaimed racing game, will require players on PlayStation 5 (PS5) to sign in with a Microsoft account to play the game. While the game has been a flagship title for Xbox platforms, this news may come as a surprise to PlayStation gamers who were hoping for a more seamless experience.

What Does This Mean for PS5 Players?

Forza Horizon 5 is part of the popular Forza Horizon series, which has traditionally been exclusive to Xbox and PC. With its recent release on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, the racing game marks a significant crossover for Xbox’s first-party titles. However, requiring a Microsoft account to play on PS5 adds an extra layer of complexity for those used to the more standard PlayStation login process.

This move could be aimed at ensuring that players are able to sync their progress and track their achievements across multiple platforms, as Forza Horizon 5 is available on both Xbox and PC in addition to PlayStation. It could also be a strategy to link the game to Microsoft’s broader ecosystem, encouraging PlayStation users to engage with Microsoft’s cloud gaming services, achievements, and cross-platform features.

Why a Microsoft Account?

The requirement for a Microsoft account likely stems from the game’s cloud integration and cross-platform multiplayer features. By linking the game to a Microsoft account, players can access their save data, achievements, and online multiplayer features across Xbox, PC, and PlayStation platforms. This allows for a seamless experience regardless of the device they are playing on.

However, for PS5 players, this could potentially create a barrier. Those who don’t already have a Microsoft account will need to create one, which might feel cumbersome for users more accustomed to the PlayStation Network (PSN) ecosystem.

The Bigger Picture: Microsoft and Cross-Platform Gaming

Microsoft has been pushing for cross-platform integration for years, and this move with Forza Horizon 5 is another example of that commitment. The company aims to break down the walls between different gaming platforms, allowing players to interact and share content across Xbox, PC, and now PlayStation. While this is a great step forward for gaming as a whole, the need for a Microsoft account on PS5 is an added hurdle that some players may not appreciate.

As of now, it’s unclear if this requirement will be implemented for other upcoming titles in the Forza series or whether it’s specific to Forza Horizon 5.