Forza Horizon 5’s PS5 Debut Shatters Sales Records

Four years after it set a new standard for open-world racing on Xbox and PC, Playground Games’ Forza Horizon 5 has screeched onto PlayStation 5 – and it’s making a lot of noise. Once the crown jewel of Xbox exclusivity (boasting a near-perfect 19/20 rating), this automotive adventure is now captivating an entirely new pit crew of PlayStation drivers.

While Xbox Game Pass subscribers have been joyriding through Mexico at no extra cost, PlayStation fans are happily dropping €70 (or more) for the privilege. The result? An appetite for multiplatform releases that’s already fueled a blistering 1.4 million PS5 sales within mere days of launch – doubling the pace of other recent Xbox-to-PlayStation crossovers.

Breaking Down the Numbers

Data from Alinea Analytics’ Rhys Elliott shows Forza Horizon 5 selling 1.4 million copies on PS5 just days after release, outpacing even the likes of Indiana Jones and Sea of Thieves on their PlayStation debuts. Incredibly, about 700,000 players shelled out for premium early access at $100 each – despite the game’s age and its continued presence on Game Pass elsewhere.

Why the Hype?

Forza Horizon 5 is more than just a racing game; it’s a sprawling sandbox set in a vibrant, ever-changing Mexico. The fifth Horizon festival lets players compete, explore, and indulge in automotive chaos across deserts, jungles, canyons, and neon-lit cities. Its blend of arcade fun and near-photorealistic visuals still sets the standard for the genre.

The polish is undeniable: from destructible environments and meticulously crafted cars to a dynamic weather system that could make even open-world RPGs jealous. Every race, whether you’re leading the pack or scraping by at the back, offers surprises and steady rewards, making it easy to see why PlayStation owners are flocking to this playground even at full price.

A Sign of the Times

Forza’s PS5 debut isn’t just a technical port – it’s a bold indicator of Microsoft’s multiplatform strategy shifting into high gear. After opening the door with Sea of Thieves and Indiana Jones, Forza’s runaway success hints that the old console walls are coming down, at least for blockbuster hits.

The rapid-fire sales suggest that PlayStation owners are hungry for high-caliber, formerly-exclusive content – and that they’re willing to pay for it. As PlayStation and Xbox ecosystems grow ever more intertwined, don’t be surprised if more iconic franchises cross the line to new audiences.

The Road Ahead

Open-world freedom, relentless polish, and a steady drip-feed of rewards have made Forza Horizon 5 a juggernaut on every platform. Its PS5 launch isn’t just a celebration for racing fans – it’s a turbocharged signpost for the future of multiplatform gaming.