To play Forza Horizon 5 on PlayStation 5, you'll need a Microsoft account, in addition to your PlayStation Network account. This is confirmed on the official Forza support website FAQ. The linking process begins when you first start the game.
This requirement aligns with other Xbox games available on PlayStation, such as Minecraft, Grounded, and Sea of Thieves. However, this policy has sparked debate, particularly regarding game preservation. Concerns exist about the game's long-term playability if Microsoft discontinues account linking or if players lose access to their linked Microsoft accounts. This concern is amplified by the game's digital-only release on PS5; there's no physical disc version.
This situation draws parallels to the controversy surrounding Helldivers 2, where a similar PSN account linking requirement for PC players was later reversed following online backlash. While Sony subsequently removed the requirement for some PC games, they offered incentives for those who maintained the link.
Player reaction to the Forza Horizon 5 Microsoft account requirement on PS5 has been mixed. Many are questioning cross-progression. The FAQ clarifies that Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 does *not* support save file transfers from Xbox or PC versions. This mirrors the lack of cross-save functionality between Xbox and Steam versions. While user-generated content (UGC) can be transferred between platforms, editing is only possible on the original save profile.
Forza Horizon 5's PS5 release is another example of Microsoft's expanding multiplatform strategy. Expect more such releases in the future.
