Forza Horizon 5
United Gaming – Forza Horizon 5 has officially redefined what fans can expect from Xbox exclusives. For the first time in two decades, a mainline Forza game launched on a non-Xbox console, and it did so in spectacular fashion. Meanwhile, its sibling series Forza Motorsport faces a different story, as reports confirm its quiet discontinuation following internal restructuring.
Former Turn 10 Studios developer Harrison Bolin revealed through LinkedIn that Forza Horizon 5 sold over 2 million copies on PS5 within its first month. While this number came from estimates by Alinea Analytics, not internal figures, the game still dominated PlayStation Store rankings in Europe and North America.
Despite launching late in April 2025, it ranked as the second best-selling PS5 title in the U.S. This rapid success highlights Xbox’s expanding strategy—one that embraces cross-platform access over console exclusivity.
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Forza’s appearance on PlayStation consoles marks a dramatic shift in Microsoft’s gaming philosophy. Instead of keeping major franchises locked to Xbox, Microsoft has started focusing on maximizing reach. The move aligns with a broader industry trend where game accessibility matters more than platform allegiance.
With its vibrant open world and deep customization, Forza Horizon 5 appeals to a wide player base—many of whom had never played a Forza title until now.
While Horizon thrives, Forza Motorsport has reached a standstill. Reports from former developers, including Fred Russell, confirmed that Microsoft laid off nearly half of Turn 10 Studios. Following the layoffs, the studio ended all active development on the Motorsport series.
Although Microsoft hasn’t officially canceled the series, reliable insiders suggest that no new Motorsport title is in development. Turn 10’s current focus lies entirely on supporting Horizon content and improving the ForzaTech engine for future use.
The success of Horizon’s PlayStation debut sends a clear signal. Microsoft now views Forza Horizon as the face of its racing portfolio. Meanwhile, Motorsport, once celebrated as a simulation rival to Gran Turismo, fades from relevance.
Fans can likely expect a new Horizon game sooner rather than later. If Microsoft continues this trend, future Forza entries may launch across Xbox, PC, and PlayStation simultaneously, ensuring the widest audience possible.
