Forza Horizon 5 on PS5: Microsoft Account Required, No Cross-Platform Progress
Staff Editor PlayStation 5 Players Required to Link Microsoft Account for Forza Horizon 5
In a move that underscores the evolving landscape of cross-platform gaming, the upcoming PlayStation 5 version of “Forza Horizon 5” will require players to link their Microsoft account to their PlayStation Network account. This requirement, revealed ahead of the game’s release, has sparked discussions among the gaming community.
Upon first launching the game, PS5 users will be prompted to complete the account linking process. It’s worth noting that once accounts are linked, players face restrictions if they choose to unlink. Specifically, they will only be able to relink to the originally associated Microsoft account.
Despite the account integration, cross-platform saving will not be available. Progress made on the PS5 version will not transfer to Xbox platforms, maintaining separate ecosystems for player achievements and advancements.
The account linking requirement extends beyond the PS5, with the Steam version of “Forza Horizon 5” implementing similar protocols. This consistent approach across platforms suggests a broader strategy by Microsoft to maintain user engagement across its services.
For multiplayer enthusiasts, a PlayStation Plus subscription will be necessary to access online features in the PS5 version. Currently, there are no plans for a physical disc release of the game on PlayStation 5, making it a digital-only title for the platform.
“Forza Horizon 5” is not alone in its cross-platform expansion. It joins other former Xbox exclusives, such as “Sea of Thieves,” in making the leap to PS5. These titles share similar account linking requirements, indicating a standardized approach to Microsoft’s multi-platform strategy.
The mandatory account linking has been met with mixed reactions from the gaming community. Some players have expressed dissatisfaction with such requirements, citing concerns over privacy and the inconvenience of managing multiple accounts.
This development comes at a time when Sony has been moving in the opposite direction for some of its PC game versions. Recent titles like “Helldivers 2,” “God of War Ragnarök,” and “Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered” have seen the removal of similar account linking mandates on PC platforms.
As the gaming industry continues to blur the lines between platforms, the balance between cross-platform integration and user preferences remains a topic of ongoing discussion and adjustment.
