The PS5 version of Forza Horizon 5 requires players to link their Microsoft account to their PlayStation Network account to enjoy the game, according to a FAQ on the official website.
As per the FAQ, users will be prompted to link the accounts upon their first game launch. If they decide to unlink later, they will be restricted to relinking only to the specific Microsoft account initially linked.
This requirement is frustrating, especially since there is no cross-platform saving, meaning progress made in the PS5 version does not carry over to the Xbox version. The same limitation applies to the Steam version, as mentioned in the FAQ. Players will also need a PlayStation Plus subscription to access the multiplayer features, and currently, there are “no plans for a disc release.”
When Forza Horizon 5 launches on the PS5 on April 29th, it will be the latest Xbox exclusive making its way to Sony’s console, joining other titles like Sea of Thieves, which also requires a Microsoft account linking for gameplay.
Players in the gaming community have expressed dissatisfaction with mandatory account linking, recalling when Sony previously eliminated the need for PSN account sign-ins for certain PC titles, including Helldivers 2 and, more recently, God of War Ragnarök along with Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered.
