Forza Horizon 5 Hits $300M on PS5 — Why Microsoft’s Port Strategy Just Paid Off for Racing Fans

This caught my attention because it’s rare to see a four-year-old Xbox flagship turn into a multimillion-dollar sensation on a rival console – and that shift tells us as much about Microsoft’s finances as it does about what players want.

Forza Horizon 5’s PS5 Triumph: Breaking Down the $300M Milestone and What It Means for Racing Fans

• Forza Horizon 5 reportedly sold 5M+ copies on PS5 since its April 2025 port, generating an estimated $300M in revenue – Alinea Analytics’ estimate.
• The haul validates Microsoft’s multi-platform pivot: older first-party hits can be long-term cash engines even after Game Pass windows close.
• For players: PS5 owners now have a vibrant Horizon community with cross-progression and strong post-launch support; Forza Horizon 6 will still debut on Xbox/PC first.

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Publisher|Xbox Game Studios
Release Date|Nov 9, 2021 (PS5 port Apr 29, 2025)
Category|Racing / Open-world
Platform|Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, PS5
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The numbers and why they matter

Alinea Analytics’ social posts estimate Forza Horizon 5 has crossed 5 million paid PS5 sales, netting roughly $300 million in gross revenue. Factor in Sony’s typical ~30% platform fee and Microsoft still pockets an estimated ~$210M – not bad for a game that launched in 2021. These are estimates, not official corporate filings, but the scale is believable: Horizon is a rare series with broad appeal, heavy post-launch support, and an audience that will pay for it even years later.

What the PS5 success reveals about Microsoft’s strategy

Microsoft began openly releasing first-party titles on rival platforms to hit profitability targets without relying solely on console sales or Game Pass subscription math. Forza Horizon 5’s PS5 performance is exactly the payoff of that pivot: port an established hit, keep post-launch content flowing, and monetize a huge new install base. It also reduces the risk profile for studios — revenue streams diversify beyond Xbox ecosystems.

Why players bought it on PS5 (and why it stuck)

Beyond business, the game sells because it’s simply excellent at what it does: a massive, sun-soaked open world, arcade-friendly but deep driving, and an enormous car roster that scratches both casual and collector itches. PS5-specific benefits — DualSense haptics, Performance RT modes, and native trophies/achievement parity — plus cross-play with Xbox/PC kept multiplayer lively. Combine that with regular seasonal updates and you have a live game that feels current even years in.

Reality check: estimates, Game Pass distortion, and sustainability

Two caveats: these figures are estimates from analytics firms and social reporting, not audited revenues. Also remember Horizon’s original launch drew huge Game Pass engagement; a sizable player base never needed to buy the game on Xbox. The fact PS5 users converted to purchases — rather than relying on a PlayStation subscription equivalent — is the key signal here, but it’s one-off revenue rather than recurring subscription income.

What this means for Forza Horizon 6 and racing fans

Microsoft will still launch Forza Horizon 6 on Xbox and PC first (Game Pass Day One), with a later PS5 release likely. The PS5 windfall for FH5 makes a later port commercially attractive and lowers the marginal cost of producing lavish post-launch content. For fans that means more consistent updates, cross-platform lobbies, and stronger funding for bigger world and car rosters — but also the risk that flagship content timelines remain staggered between platforms.

Practical takeaways for players

If you’re on PS5: jump in. The player base is healthy, cross-progression works, and seasonal playlists keep reward streams coming. If you’re an Xbox/PC player: this is a reminder that your favorite studios can fund larger live services by selling on other platforms — which can be good for content longevity but means platform exclusivity is less guaranteed.

TL;DR

Forza Horizon 5’s reported $300M PS5 haul is a clear win for Microsoft’s multi-platform strategy and for fans who want more accessible, cross-platform racing. It validates ports as a major revenue channel and likely pressures rivals to rethink exclusive-first windows — while giving players more choice and a more sustainable live-service future for big-budget racing games.