Microsoft announced that Forza Horizon 5, one of the highest-rated Xbox exclusive games, will be available on PlayStation 5 this spring. This marks an important shift in Microsoft's exclusivity policy, as one of the main Xbox franchises is set to debut on a competing gaming platform.

Forza Horizon 5, released in 2021 for Xbox and PC, is considered one of the best racing games of all time, offering an immersive open world. The PS5 version will contain all the content available in the Xbox and PC versions: nearly 900 cars, an open world, and two major expansions — Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure. There will also be support for cross-platform multiplayer, allowing players on PlayStation to compete with users on Xbox and PC.

The PS5 port is being developed by Panic Button in collaboration with Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios. Although the exact release date and price are not yet disclosed, the game is expected to launch by the end of June.

This news is part of a broader trend of Xbox expanding beyond its own Microsoft consoles. Recently, games like Hi-Fi Rush, Grounded, and Sea of Thieves have become available on PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. Additionally, there are growing rumors that other major Xbox franchises, including Halo and Gears of War, might also arrive on PS5.

Apart from the PlayStation port, Playground Games has confirmed a new free content update for all platforms called Horizon Realms. This update will include a specially curated selection of popular content from Evolving Worlds, along with some additional surprises.

Microsoft's decision to release Forza Horizon 5 on PlayStation aligns with its new strategy, which emphasizes software and services over hardware exclusivity. Xbox head Phil Spencer recently stated that "there's no reason to limit any game", hinting at the possibility of more Xbox exclusives appearing on other platforms.

If the gaming industry continues to evolve in this direction, the release of Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 could become a landmark moment in the traditional console rivalry, opening new opportunities for cross-platform gaming and greater accessibility to games.