Forza Horizon 5 On The PS5 Will Require Players To Have A Microsoft Account

According to the Forza FAQ page, PlayStation 5 players will need a Microsoft account to play the game. Players will be able to link their Microsoft account to their PlayStation Network account upon the game’s first launch.

Additionally, the page also states that linking a Microsoft account is title-by-title basis and permanent. This means that once a Microsoft account is linked to a PlayStation Network account for Forza Horizon 5, it cannot be changed. Players have the option to unlink the Microsoft account, but will not be able to use another Microsoft account aside from the one initially linked.

Players will also need to subscribe to PlayStation Plus to be able to access online multiplayer features in Forza Horizon 5. The game will feature cross-play with players on PC and Xbox consoles, but will not feature cross-progression. Save files will not carry over from different consoles.

Sony received flak from players for doing something similar. In May 2024, PlayStation received criticism from Steam users because Sony announced that the game will require players to log into their PlayStation account starting May 6 for newer players and June 4 for existing players, despite not having it since its release in February 2024. This means that existing players from regions that are not supported by PlayStation Network will not be able to play the game anymore.

Players fought back by review-bombing the game on Steam which changed it from “Mixed” to “Mostly Negative.” Sony reversed their decision on May 6 after overwhelming pushback from the players.

Forza Horizon 5 will be available on the PlayStation 5 on April 29. Players who pre-ordered the Premium Edition will have access to the game on April 25, four days earlier. The port is being developed by Panic Button, the same studio who developed the port of Forza Horizon 4. The game will only be available digitally for the PlayStation 5, there will be no physical copies for sale.