PlayStation 5 release of Forza Horizon 5 will require a Microsoft account

Ahead of its PlayStation release, Forza Horizon 5 was already doing some numbers reaching the top spot in the pre-order section. People were quite excited to see Forza Horizon on PS5 but the game comes with a catch. In addition to a PSN account, the game will also require players to have their Microsoft account linked, similar to the PC release.

This was revealed in the FAQ section for the game put up by Xbox, as spotted by Xbox Era. “In addition to a PSN account, you’ll need to link to a Microsoft account in order to play Forza Horizon 5 on PS5. This process begins the first time you start up the game on your console,” the FAQ read.

Forza Horizon 5 PS5 release creates controversy

The game will land on PS5 with new content update ‘Horizon Realms’ on April 29, however, there has been some controversy regarding the release. Console gamers usually look for a physical release, but in this case, there will be no physical release for Forza Horizon 5 preservation which has a lot of people upset.

On top of that, the additional Microsoft account requirement added fuel to the fire. This won’t be the first Microsoft game to do so as Sea of Thieves on PS5 also has similar requirements. However, with no cross-save feature between the Xbox, PC, and PS5 versions fans say the account linking is basically a formality and wasn’t necessary.

Also Read:Sony teams up with Raylo to provide rental PS5 across the UK

Microsoft criticized over game preservation

The account linking and no physical release have led people to criticize Microsoft for game preservation. Despite the company's promising focus on preserving its games, no physical release is the complete opposite, especially when the game is playable offline with some limitations. A license for a digital game can be revoked.