What we know about Forza Horizon 6
During the Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2025 broadcast, Microsoft dropped the official announcement for Forza Horizon 6. The title is slated for a 2026 release, but it will roll out first on Xbox Series X|S and PC. PlayStation 5 owners aren’t left out – a version is in the works, but the studio didn’t give a concrete timeline for when it will hit the console.
The teaser trailer showed a sweeping view of Japan’s iconic landscapes – from neon‑lit cityscapes to tranquil coastal roads. Fans of the franchise will also spot a handful of Easter eggs referencing earlier Horizon entries, a nod to the series’ long‑time community.
PlayStation users can already add the game to their wishlist on Xbox and Steam, signalling that Microsoft wants the title to be as accessible as possible once the cross‑platform version lands.
Why Japan matters for the Horizon franchise
Playground Games’ art director Don Arceta and cultural consultant Kyoko Yamashita explained that Japan topped the wish list for Horizon fans for years. The developers say they are aiming for an authentic portrayal, using local experts to capture both the visual splendor and cultural nuances of each region.
The game will let players explore a varied Japanese terrain – mountain passes, cherry‑blossom lined streets, and bustling highways. Each environment is expected to host unique events, challenges, and vehicle tuning options tailored to the setting. The Horizon Festival, a recurring in‑game celebration, will now be set against a backdrop of traditional festivals, modern skyscrapers, and iconic landmarks.
Turn 10 Studios, the team behind the main Forza line, is teaming up with Playground Games on the PlayStation version. While the exact release window remains vague, the partnership suggests that the cross‑platform effort will preserve the series’ high standards for graphics and performance.
Forza Horizon’s previous stops have taken players from the UK’s rolling hills to Australia’s sun‑baked coast, North America’s diverse roadways, and Mexico’s vibrant streets. Japan represents the next logical step – a country with a rich car culture, a love for motorsports, and scenery that can push the series’ visual fidelity to new heights.
- Launch platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC (2026)
- Post‑launch: PlayStation 5 (date TBD)
- Setting: Multiple Japanese regions, from urban Tokyo to rural countryside
- Key collaborators: Playground Games, Turn 10 Studios, cultural consultant Kyoko Yamashita
With the announcement, Microsoft signals a strong commitment to expanding the Horizon universe while keeping the fan base engaged across consoles. The payoff for racers looking to master Japanese streets will be worth the wait.