Forza Horizon 5 PS5 players hoping to avoid needing a Microsoft account received some bad news. Push Square discovered an updated FAQ on the game’s website that reveals the login requirements. That has drawn criticism from PlayStation gamers who expected to keep the title in libraries indefinitely.
More details about the PS5 login procedure are trickling out ahead of the April 29 Forza Horizon 5 release date. As the support page explains, gamers must have both a PSN and Microsoft Xbox account to play the festival racer. Once connected to a Microsoft account, it can only be unlinked and relinked with the same account.
Many players are still skeptical about Xbox Gaming’s relationship with Sony. While Microsoft has pivoted to a multi-platform strategy, the partnership is not guaranteed to outlive a new Xbox console. Considering the Forza Horizon 5 PS5 release is digital-only, the $60 or more investment may disappear sooner than expected.
The Mexican-themed Forza Horizon 5 is the latest high-profile former Xbox exclusive to arrive on the PS5. Another notable example, Sea of Thieves, has the same login requirements on Sony’s console. However, pirates have the benefit of cross-platform progression. With Forza Horizon 5, PS5 gamers must start leveling up from scratch. To save drivers some effort, all editions of the game will come with the Horizon Realms content pack.
Sony has also faced blowback for making PSN logins on PCs mandatory. With a Helldivers 2 May 2024 update, Steam users had to link the game to a PlayStation Network account. Sony reversed the decision, but it’s doubtful that Microsoft will change its Forza Horizon 5 policy.
One of the annoyances of modern gaming is managing multiple user names and passwords. Unfortunately, the days of simply loading a disc into a console and playing offline have long passed.
I became interested in technology at a young age and enjoyed discovering the latest innovations. While earning college degrees in publishing, I created several PC hardware and gaming websites. My passion has always been to guide readers on what products can truly improve their lives. After many years as a Tech Writer for Game Rant, I’m anxious to share my knowledge with a new audience at Notebookcheck.
