PlayStation 5 gamers eager to dive into Forza Horizon 5’s sun-soaked open world this fall are facing an unexpected hurdle: the requirement to link a Microsoft/Xbox account to play. This move, confirmed by developer Playground Games and Microsoft, has sparked confusion and concern among players, particularly due to the absence of cross-progression between Xbox and PlayStation platforms.
The news, first reported by PushSquare, reveals that PS5 players must sign in with a Microsoft account upon booting up the game, even for single-player modes. While third-party titles occasionally require external accounts for cross-play (e.g., EA or Ubisoft logins), Forza Horizon 5 marks one of the first major Xbox-owned franchises to mandate a Microsoft account on a rival console. The requirement raises eyebrows, as the game does not support cross-progression, meaning PS5 saves won’t carry over to Xbox or PC—a feature many had hoped for.
Forza Horizon 5 Will Require a Microsoft Account to Play on PS5, Raising Preservation Problems
Critics argue the mandate complicates access to a full-priced game, tying it to a third-party account system. Preservation advocates warn this could pose long-term risks. “What happens if Microsoft decides to sunset Xbox account support for PlayStation in a decade?” asked one Reddit user. “Will the game just become unplayable?” Similar concerns have plagued always-online games, but Forza Horizon 5’s single-player reliance on a Microsoft account adds a new layer of vulnerability.
Playground Games addressed the backlash in an updated FAQ, stating the account link is necessary for “online services, leaderboards, and future content updates.” However, the studio confirmed cross-progression remains off the table, leaving players puzzled. “If I can’t sync my progress across platforms, why force the account?” tweeted a fan. “It feels like a corporate checkbox, not a player-friendly feature.”
The debate highlights growing tension between platform holders and preservationists. As gaming increasingly relies on external logins and server-dependent features, fears of “lost” games mount. Forza Horizon 5’s PS5 release, while a win for platform diversity, now serves as a case study in the trade-offs between connectivity and consumer ownership.
With the game’s PS5 launch just weeks away, the ball is in Microsoft’s court to reassure players—or risk accelerating calls for industry-wide standards on account requirements and game preservation. For now, PS5 racers will need to juggle one more login to hit the horizon.
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