The approach of Xbox’s strategy for multiple platforms is changing significantly with the upcoming launch of Forza Horizon 5 on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro. Notably, the Forza series has been exclusive to Xbox consoles since its debut in 2005, making this move quite significant.
To set the record straight, I’m not here to voice my disapproval over Forza Horizon 5 breaking its Xbox exclusivity or to stir up debates around that topic. Instead, I’m excited about the prospect of this beloved, expansive open-world racing game reaching a whole new audience. Forza Horizon 5 boasts a thriving online community, and broadening its player base can only serve to enrich its gaming experience.
The issue lies in the fact that Forza Horizon 5 lacks a crucial feature expected in any genuine multiplatform title, particularly for publishers aiming to establish credibility, such as Microsoft. Unfortunately, Forza Horizon 5 does not facilitate cross-progression across PlayStation platforms.
Cross-play but no cross-save, what does that mean for FH5?
Using your Microsoft Account, Forza Horizon 5 offers cross-platform play over the internet between Xbox and Windows PC through the Microsoft Store and Steam. Additionally, PlayStation 5 users can join in once the game becomes available on their platform in April.
In essence, this implies that you can compete against your friends in races across Mexico, no matter which game platform they are using. It’s ideal, and fortunately, many contemporary multiplayer games have adopted this approach without difficulty.
Additionally, FH5 allows cross-progression, though it’s limited to the Xbox Play Anywhere edition, which encompasses play across Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC through the Microsoft Store.
Using Xbox cloud saves, you’re able to transfer all your game progress across different devices, ensuring you can pick up and play anytime, anywhere, without stressing about your progress. Regrettably, Steam hasn’t been part of this discussion so far, but Microsoft is making strides in that direction with games like Avowed.
If you’ve been enjoying Forza Horizon 5 on your Xbox and decide to switch to Steam Deck for portable gaming, I regret to inform you that you might encounter a problem since this game isn’t currently compatible with the Steam Deck. Unfortunately, PlayStation users are facing a similar predicament in this scenario.
Regardless of the countless hours you’ve invested in Forza Horizon 5, regardless of the money spent, or how extensive your virtual car collection has grown, if you wish to enjoy the game on PS5 with its exclusive improvements and features, none of your previous progress can be transferred over.
Brand-new players need not apply, but multi-device gamers should beware
If you exclusively play games on PlayStation and are a newcomer to Forza Horizon 5, this fact won’t concern you at the moment. Since you’re essentially starting fresh with the game, it makes no difference to you just yet.
Should you choose to acquire a gaming handheld device or upgrade to a high-performance gaming computer at some point, whatever progress you’ve made on the PlayStation 5 will be confined exclusively to Sony’s system.
The individuals affected by the absence of cross-save support in FH5 are those who primarily play on their Xbox Series X, but also own a high-performance desktop computer and an ASUS ROG Ally X gaming portable device. I belong to this group as well.
I appreciate the Xbox Play Anywhere feature as it ensures that my games and progress are accessible across various devices, allowing me to switch between console, PC, or handheld devices at will, all while eliminating concerns over transferring libraries and save files.
A large number of players share my predicament, as they are equally fond of gaming on Xbox. However, they can easily switch to PlayStation instead. If these gamers have already developed a deep affection for Forza on various platforms, it becomes quite understandable why they would be intrigued by the prospect of revisiting the game on PS5 – particularly if they enjoy collecting trophies.
It just won’t work like that, though, even if the precedent has already been set.
Other multiplatform Xbox games already support cross-save
While you might think my request for a specific feature seems impractical or beyond reach, it isn’t. In fact, it has been demonstrated as achievable by Xbox previously.
In a convenient fashion, both Grounded and Sea of Thieves enable cross-platform progression, which encompasses Xbox, personal computers using Windows and Steam, PlayStation 5, as well as Nintendo Switch (in the instance of Grounded).
The base for the game has been established by Microsoft’s account platform, and numerous developers have demonstrated that it’s feasible. However, what sets Forza Horizon 5 apart?
FH5 has a lot of DLC, isn’t that why there’s no cross-save support?
In addition to being merely a video game, Forza Horizon 5 offers an extensive library of downloadable content, expansions, and car packs. This game is vast in size, but unfortunately, the Xbox Play Anywhere version on the Microsoft Store does not synchronize your purchases across devices.
If a person possesses the entire Forza Horizon 5 collection on their Windows PC, but purchases only the base game for PlayStation, how would cross-save function in this scenario? To put it simply: You retain your progress, statistics, and current vehicles, but you no longer have access to any content or ongoing rewards that aren’t available on that specific platform.
In essence, you’ll retain ownership of the vehicles acquired through Forza Horizon 5: Rally Adventure, yet you won’t have access to the Rally Adventure map on PlayStation unless you purchase the expansion. However, you will still receive the exclusive VIP Membership cars, home, and cosmetics, albeit without the enhanced rewards or daily wheelspins.
In a perfect scenario, I wouldn’t have to request cross-purchases, but it’s essential that players can retain what they’ve rightfully earned. It’s only fair, given that they choose to invest in the game across various platforms, seeking the freedom to play as they prefer.
Rant aside, FH5 comes to PlayStation in a few weeks
Instead of going into all the details since there’s an extensive news article covering Forza Horizon 5 for PlayStation, with preorder info, here’s a brief summary for you.
The game titled FH5 is now up for pre-purchase on both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro consoles, offering three distinct editions. Early birds who go for the Premium Edition can start playing as early as April 25, 2025; however, other players will have to wait until April 29, 2025.
In addition to being more than just a standard port, Forza Horizon 5 has been specifically optimized for the PlayStation platform. You’ll have two modes to select from: “Performance,” which aims for a smooth 60 frames per second, and “Quality,” which prioritizes visual fidelity at 30 FPS.
Owners of the cutting-edge PS5 Pro can look forward to enhanced graphic quality, including advanced in-game ray tracing effects.
In addition to the PlayStation premiere of FH5, all platforms will receive the Horizon Realms update, which seems like a potential farewell for this massive live service game. This update includes new challenges, additional play options, and even new vehicles to amass. Moreover, enthusiasts of Nissan can look forward to purchasing a newly released car pack DLC if they wish.
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2025-02-28 05:10