A PlayStation 5 version of Forza Horizon 6, initially slated for release this year, has reportedly been delayed as Xbox refocuses on console exclusives. This development follows a significant strategic shift within Xbox's leadership and a broader industry trend towards platform exclusivity.
Tom Warren of The Verge reported the delay, a claim later affirmed by IGN. Forza Horizon 6 launched on PC and Xbox Series X|S to critical acclaim, with a PS5 port announced shortly thereafter for a 2026 window. However, recent executive changes at Xbox, including the appointment of Asha Sharma as CEO of the Xbox Game Division in February and subsequent departures of key leadership, have precipitated a reevaluation of the company's strategy. Sharma announced a company-wide "reset" aimed at addressing recent financial performance challenges. This reset has also led to a significant workforce reduction, with 3,200 employees slated to be laid off in the upcoming fiscal quarter and Microsoft severing ties with several of its development studios.
This strategic realignment has coincided with a de-emphasis on publishing Xbox titles on rival platforms. While Halo: Campaign Evolved was released on PlayStation 5, reports indicate that Xbox withdrew the game's trailer from a Sony State of Play broadcast. Furthermore, a nearly complete PlayStation 5 port of Gears of War: E-Day was reportedly canceled shortly before its planned reveal.
Xbox Chief Content Officer Matt Booty had previously stated that Xbox would "honor" promises made to players regarding previously announced multiplatform titles, suggesting that Forza Horizon 6 would eventually reach the PS5. He has since clarified that while some multiplayer-focused games may remain multiplatform, "exclusives are important."
Sony has also appeared to reinforce its own exclusive strategy. Jason Schreier of Bloomberg reported in May that the company was scaling back plans to release its games on Windows PC. A recent PlayStation sizzle reel highlighted several of its titles under the banner "Only On PS5," further signaling a commitment to its console platform.
The apparent resurgence of console exclusivity comes as the cost of gaming hardware continues to rise. The Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 have all seen price increases since their respective launches. External economic factors, such as a new batch of tariffs, may further contribute to increased hardware costs in the future.