Forza Horizon 6 takes the arcade racing sequence to Japan in 2026

Microsoft has formally unveiled the subsequent Forza Horizon recreation, confirming months of rumors that the most recent entry in its persistently wonderful open-world racing sequence can be set in Japan. Introduced, somewhat fittingly, at Tokyo Recreation Present in an Xbox briefing, Forza Horizon 6 has a 2026 launch date and can launch first on Xbox and PC. Just a few years in the past it might have stayed on these platforms, however after Forza Horizon 5 earlier this 12 months, all bets are off on Microsoft exclusivity sooner or later.

As certainly one of Xbox’s most vital sequence, it’s a bit disappointing that we didn’t get any gameplay within the TGS teaser trailer. As an alternative, the digital camera pans throughout what seems like a workbench, with license plates and trinkets from international locations featured in earlier entries held on the wall behind it. Finally we get to Japan, and the digital camera strikes as much as reveal Mount Fuji within the distance, with the compulsory cherry blossom within the corners of the body.

What the announcement lacked in gameplay, although, it considerably made up for with the accompanying  put up, which sheds some gentle on Playground Video games’ determination to decide on the Land of the Rising Solar as the placement for Forza Horizon 6. In accordance with the sport’s Artwork Director, Don Arceta, the “distinctive tradition” of Japan — from its vehicles, to its music and vogue — was a driving issue, and added that with 5 Horizon video games already beneath its belt, the studio feels it may construct an “genuine illustration” of the nation that does it justice.

Playground Video games is protecting its playing cards near its chest the place real-life places featured within the recreation are involved, however unsurprisingly confirmed that Tokyo is certainly one of them, in addition to a number of the nation’s rural and mountain areas. The studio isn’t saying a lot about vehicles but, both, however promised that Japanese automobile tradition can be mirrored. It additionally confirmed that seasons will as soon as once more be a giant a part of the expertise.

Forza Horizon 5 got here out in 2021 and turned Engadget’s “not a lot of a automobile man” Nathan Ingraham right into a with its extremely detailed Mexico setting, approachable driving and accessible open-world design.