Forza Horizon 5 has taken the PlayStation world by storm. Despite being a long-standing Xbox exclusive, the racing title has now become the top-selling new PS5 game of 2025, crossing three million copies sold in just under three months since its release on Sony’s console. This surprising twist marks a major shift in the gaming industry’s cross-platform landscape.
A Historic Debut on PlayStation
Forza Horizon 5 originally launched in 2021 on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Its PlayStation 5 port, released on April 29, 2025, marked the first time a mainline Forza game appeared on a PlayStation platform in the series’ 20-year history. The game’s arrival was met with curiosity, excitement—and eventually—huge commercial success.
The port was part of Xbox’s evolving strategy toward multiplatform releases. Xbox head Phil Spencer stated in January, “There’s no reason to put a ring fence around any game,” signaling a clear move away from platform exclusivity.
Racing Past the Competition
According to a recent report from The Alinea Insight newsletter, which tracked game sales from January 1 to July 21, 2025, Forza Horizon 5 has sold more than three million copies on PS5, outperforming big-name competitors like Monster Hunter Wilds and Death Stranding 2.
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Within its first 25 days on the platform, the racing title had already reached the two million mark—a milestone that took 2024’s Astro Bot nearly three months to achieve. Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding 2 also hit one million in its first 25 days, putting Forza Horizon 5 in a league of its own.
One key factor behind this surge was a 25% discount offered on the game, which significantly boosted its sales. This promotion helped the game inch past Monster Hunter Wilds, which currently sits at 2.9 million copies sold, and take the lead as PS5’s best-selling game of the year.
Changing Tides in Game Publishing
The success of Forza Horizon 5 on PlayStation is not just a win for Xbox, but also a clear reflection of changing industry norms. Microsoft’s willingness to release first-party titles on rival platforms was once unthinkable. Now, it’s proving to be a profitable strategy.
Although this shift initially stirred controversy among fans and critics, the results speak for themselves. Players have responded positively to the availability of high-quality games across platforms, and sales data is backing up the decision.
By opening up its library, Xbox has managed to tap into entirely new audiences—many of whom may have never played Forza without a port to the PS5. This approach has also allowed the brand to earn revenue from hardware it doesn’t control, giving Microsoft broader market reach.
Forza’s Enduring Appeal
What’s behind the game’s massive appeal, even four years after its original release? For starters, Forza Horizon 5 is widely praised for its open-world design, stunning visuals, and wide selection of cars. The game’s vibrant Mexico-inspired setting, dynamic weather systems, and seamless multiplayer integration continue to draw in racing fans.
On PS5, the port has benefited from high performance, enhanced visuals, and support for DualSense features—offering a fresh experience even for returning players. The game has aged well and still holds its own against newer titles in the racing genre.
Xbox’s Cross-Platform Bet Pays Off
Forza Horizon 5’s success on PS5 is not just about strong gameplay—it’s about strategy. Microsoft’s decision to go cross-platform is beginning to reshape the console war conversation. The racing game’s rise to the top of the PS5 sales chart is a landmark moment in that journey.
As gaming becomes more platform-agnostic, players are reaping the benefits of wider access. And with Forza Horizon 5 leading the pack, Xbox has proven that letting go of exclusivity doesn’t mean letting go of success.
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