Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 Needs Microsoft Account, Like Other Xbox Games on Sony Consoles

Microsoft has officially confirmed that playing Forza Horizon 5 on the PlayStation 5 requires a Microsoft account in addition to a PSN account. This requirement was detailed in a FAQ on the Forza support website, stating, "Yes, in addition to a PSN account you’ll need to link to a Microsoft account in order to play Forza Horizon 5 on PS5. This process begins the first time you start up the game on your console."

This policy aligns with Microsoft's approach for other Xbox titles released on Sony's platform, such as Minecraft, Grounded, and Sea of Thieves. However, it has stirred some controversy. The organization Does it play?, focused on ensuring the accessibility and preservation of games and hardware, expressed concerns that this requirement could jeopardize the long-term playability of the PS5 version of Forza Horizon 5. They tweeted that the news "basically kills preservation for the PS5 version of Forza Horizon 5," highlighting fears that the game might become unplayable if Microsoft discontinues the account linking process or if players lose access to their Microsoft accounts. These concerns are amplified by the fact that Forza Horizon 5 will only be available digitally on PS5, with no physical disc version planned.

The reaction within the PS5 community has been mixed, with many players questioning the implications for cross-progression. Unfortunately, the FAQ clarifies that Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 does not support save file transfers from Xbox or PC, mirroring the separate save file systems between Xbox and Steam versions. While user-generated content (UGC) can be published on one platform and downloaded on another, editing is restricted to the original creation profile. However, some online statistics, like leaderboard scores, are synchronized when logged into the same Microsoft account.

This move is part of Microsoft's broader strategy to bring Xbox games to rival consoles, a trend that is expected to continue in the coming months. The requirement for a Microsoft account on PS5 for Forza Horizon 5 echoes similar controversies, such as Sony's initial decision to mandate a PSN account for PC players of Helldivers 2, which was later reversed due to backlash. In contrast, Sony has relaxed its requirements for some PC games, offering bonuses for those who link their accounts but not mandating it.