Microsoft has officially confirmed that to play *Forza Horizon 5* on the PlayStation 5, you'll need more than just your PSN account. You must also link a Microsoft account, a requirement that kicks in the very first time you boot up the game on your PS5. This information comes directly from a FAQ on the Forza support website, ensuring there's no confusion about this prerequisite.
This approach aligns with Microsoft's strategy seen in other Xbox titles available on Sony's console, such as *Minecraft*, *Grounded*, and *Sea of Thieves*. However, this decision has stirred some controversy within the gaming community. The advocacy group, Does it play?, voiced their concern on Twitter, stating that this requirement "basically kills preservation for the PS5 version of Forza Horizon 5." Their worry stems from the possibility that the game could become unplayable in the future if Microsoft decides to discontinue its account linking without making the game independently accessible. There's also the fear that players might lose access to their game if they can't access their Microsoft account for any reason. Adding fuel to the fire, Microsoft has opted for a digital-only release of *Forza Horizon 5* on PS5, with no plans for a physical disc version.
The backlash from similar policies isn't new. Sony faced criticism for requiring a PSN account link for PC players of *Helldivers 2*, a decision they later reversed due to community outcry. In contrast, Sony recently announced that linking a PSN account would no longer be mandatory for some of its PC titles, although it offered incentives for those who chose to do so.
Within the PS5 community, reactions to the Microsoft account requirement for *Forza Horizon 5* have been varied. Many players are curious about cross-progression features, but the FAQ clarifies that save files from Xbox or PC won't transfer to the PS5 version. This limitation mirrors the separate game files between Xbox and Steam versions, with no synchronization of progress across these platforms. However, users can upload user-generated content (UGC) on one platform and download it on another, though editing remains tied to the original creation profile. Some online stats, like leaderboard scores, will sync if you log in with the same Microsoft account across platforms.
*Forza Horizon 5* marks another step in Microsoft's broader strategy to bring Xbox games to rival consoles. As part of their multiplatform push, gamers can anticipate more Xbox titles making their way to other systems in the coming months.
