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

Forza Horizon 5 on PlayStation 5 requires players to have a Microsoft account, as confirmed by the game's support FAQ. When you first launch the game on your PS5, you'll be prompted to link your existing PlayStation Network (PSN) account to a Microsoft account. This requirement aligns with other Xbox titles that have made their way to Sony's console, such as Minecraft, Grounded, and Sea of Thieves.

The announcement has stirred some controversy, particularly among gaming preservation advocates. The group Does it play? expressed concerns on social media, stating that the mandatory Microsoft account linking "basically kills preservation for the PS5 version of Forza Horizon 5." Their worry stems from the possibility that if Microsoft discontinues its account linking service in the future without updating the game, the PS5 version could become unplayable. This concern is heightened by the fact that Forza Horizon 5 will only be available digitally on PS5, with no physical disc version planned.

There's also apprehension about the game's playability if a player loses access to their linked Microsoft account. This situation echoes a recent controversy where Sony initially required PC players of Arrowhead's Helldivers 2 to link a PSN account, a decision that was reversed after significant backlash. In response, Sony adjusted its policy in January, making PSN account linking optional for some of its PC games while still offering incentives for those who chose to link their accounts.

The reaction among the PS5 community to the Forza Horizon 5 Microsoft account requirement has been varied, with many players questioning whether the game supports cross-progression. Unfortunately, the FAQ clarifies that Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 does not support save file transfers from Xbox or PC. This is consistent with the game's behavior between Xbox and Steam versions, where game files remain separate and unsynchronized.

However, there is some level of cross-platform functionality. Players can publish user-generated content (UGC) on one platform and download it to play on another, though editing the content is only possible on the original creation profile. Additionally, some online statistics, like leaderboard scores, are synchronized across platforms when logged in with the same Microsoft account.

Forza Horizon 5's arrival on PS5 is part of Microsoft's broader strategy to release its games on multiple platforms. As this multiplatform push continues, gamers can expect to see more Xbox titles making their way to rival consoles in the coming months.