Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 Needs Microsoft Account, Like Other Xbox Games on Sony Consoles

Microsoft has officially confirmed that playing *Forza Horizon 5* on PlayStation 5 requires not just a PSN account, but also a linked Microsoft account. This requirement was detailed in a FAQ on the Forza support website, stating that the linking process initiates the first time you launch the game on your PS5. This mirrors the account linking policies seen in other Xbox titles like *Minecraft*, *Grounded*, and *Sea of Thieves* that have made their way to Sony’s console.

The necessity of a Microsoft account for *Forza Horizon 5* has sparked a degree of controversy. The preservation advocacy group, Does it play?, expressed concerns on Twitter, suggesting that this requirement could jeopardize the long-term accessibility of the PS5 version of the game. The worry stems from the possibility that if Microsoft ever discontinues the account linking process without updating the game, the PS5 version could become unplayable, even for those who have purchased it. Additionally, if a player loses access to their Microsoft account, they might no longer be able to access the game. This concern is heightened by the fact that *Forza Horizon 5* will be released digitally on PS5, with no plans for a physical disc version.

The recent backlash against Sony for a similar requirement with *Helldivers 2* on PC—where players initially needed to link a PSN account—ended with Sony reversing the decision. In contrast, Microsoft has not announced any plans to change the Microsoft account requirement for *Forza Horizon 5* on PS5. The PS5 community's response has been mixed, with many players questioning whether the game supports cross-progression due to the mandatory Microsoft account link.

According to the FAQ, *Forza Horizon 5* on PS5 does not support cross-progression; save files from Xbox or PC cannot be carried over. Microsoft clarified that this is consistent with the game's behavior between Xbox and Steam versions, where save files are not synchronized. However, user-generated content (UGC) can be published on one platform and downloaded to play on another, although it can only be edited on the original creation platform. Some online statistics, like leaderboard scores, are synchronized across platforms if you use the same Microsoft account.

*Forza Horizon 5* marks another step in Microsoft’s broader strategy to bring Xbox games to rival consoles. With this move, Microsoft is set to continue expanding its multiplatform presence in the coming months.