Forza Horizon 5 on PS5: A Permanent Shift for Xbox, Not Its Demise

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A burning question among Xbox enthusiasts has been whether any of the iconic franchises like Halo, Gears, or Forza would ever venture onto the PS5 platform. As it turns out, Forza Horizon 5 is making the leap and is slated for a release on Sony’s console in Spring 2025. Needless to say, the announcement has stirred quite the buzz among fans, sparking a wide array of opinions.

For some, there’s a sense of loss seeing such a cherished Xbox-exclusive title cross over to its competitor, though many have seen the writing on the wall. If you look closely at Phil Spencer’s statements and actions at Xbox, it’s clear there’s a shift in the traditional “exclusives” mindset. This pivot suggests that other titles like Halo, Gears, and even Starfield might eventually find themselves on PS5 or possibly the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2.

But what drives this shift? Why risk alienating a core fanbase that cherishes Xbox exclusives? The answer likely lies in the financials. Microsoft’s revenue from hardware has waned over time, while earnings from content and services have surged. This strategic shift allows Xbox to hone its focus on becoming a publishing power while making its games accessible across various platforms.

Spencer earlier this year mentioned Xbox’s evolving identity as a necessity for thriving amidst challenging industry times. He believes that this broader approach might benefit everyone, allowing large-scale developers and publishers to continue crafting major AAA titles. Thomas Mahler, Moon Studios CEO, echoed this sentiment, noting rising game development costs, and asserting that reducing exclusive reliance is key for industry growth.

Of course, this strategy banks on these former Xbox exclusives selling well across platforms. Remarkably, when Xbox announced titles like Hi-Fi RUSH and Sea Of Thieves, among others, were branching out, PlayStation and Nintendo gamers were eager to get their hands on them. Sea of Thieves, in particular, has thrived on the PS5, a success Microsoft didn’t hesitate to highlight. Yet, this just adds fuel to the criticism since the initial wave of transfers was limited to four games, a number many suspected would quickly expand once PlayStation gamers got a taste.

Here’s the real sticking point with Xbox’s current path: Their marketing makes every device feel like an Xbox, but there’s still some murkiness around the details regarding games appearing on PS5 or Switch. The list started small and keeps on growing, leaving Xbox fans somewhat in the dark, relying on rumors and sporadic hints from Phil Spencer to piece together what’s to come.

Forza Horizon 5 landing on PS5 might suggest a fresh chapter or perhaps an era winding down for Xbox loyalists. In reality, it’s the unfolding of a strategy that’s been in motion for quite a while – one that promises to be financially rewarding in the coming years. As the shift to multiple platforms takes hold, we’re undoubtedly going to see more Xbox-unique titles cropping up on PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and beyond. While this move might make sound business sense, it certainly tugs at the heartstrings of those who’ve loved Xbox for its exclusives.

The long-term impact remains a wild card. What happens with the next-gen Xbox? And what of the rumored Xbox handheld? Can Microsoft soar in hardware sales without that exclusive allure, or will Xbox Game Pass be the key to driving system sales? Rest assured, Phil Spencer has likely pondered these questions and hopefully lined up some answers. However, there’s a palpable mix of excitement and anxiety among Xbox followers. The company will need to double down on efforts to hold fans’ hearts in the future. Xbox is evolving – and there’s no turning back.

Fraser Gilbert, Editor of Pure Xbox, brings these insights from the heart of the Xbox community.