PlayStation 5 players eager to dive into Forza Horizon 5 will need a Microsoft account to play the game, according to an updated FAQ on the title’s official website. The requirement has drawn criticism from some PS5 users, who had hoped to avoid linking their gaming experience to Microsoft’s ecosystem.
The login mandate, discovered by Push Square, means players must have both a PlayStation Network (PSN) and Microsoft Xbox account. Once linked, the Microsoft account cannot be swapped for another. The decision comes amid growing concerns about digital-only releases, with Forza Horizon 5 set to launch on April 29 exclusively in downloadable form.
The Mexican-themed open-world racer is among the latest Xbox exclusives making their way to Sony’s platform, following Sea of Thieves, which also requires a Microsoft login. However, unlike Sea of Thieves, which supports cross-platform progression, Forza Horizon 5 will require PS5 players to start fresh without the ability to transfer progress.
Microsoft has embraced a multi-platform approach for some of its gaming titles, but uncertainty remains about the long-term sustainability of its relationship with Sony. The digital-only nature of Forza Horizon 5 has also sparked concerns that, without physical ownership, players may lose access to their purchases if policies or platform support change in the future.