Forza Horizon 5 Launches on PS5 with Early Access for Premium

Xbox's popular racing game Forza Horizon 5 is set to launch on PlayStation 5 on April 29, with the Premium Edition offering early access to the game on April 25, sparking criticism over the practice of charging extra for early access to a game already available on other platforms.

The game's release on PS5 marks a new milestone for the franchise, which has been exclusive to Xbox and PC since its launch in 2021. The Premium Edition, priced at $100, will give players a three-day head start on the game, as well as access to exclusive content, including Horizon Realms, which features 12 Evolving World locations and new challenges. However, this move has been criticized as arbitrary and nonsensical, given that the game is already available on PC and Xbox, and can even be played on PS5 via cloud gaming for a lower cost.

The practice of charging extra for early access to a game has been dubbed "early access garbage" by some, and is seen as a sign of a larger trend in the gaming industry where publishers are delaying games and charging extra for early access. This has led to concerns that games are being held hostage for extra money, with players being forced to pay a premium for content that is already available elsewhere.

Despite the controversy, Forza Horizon 5 is expected to be a major hit on PS5, with its stunning visuals and immersive gameplay. The game will be available in three editions: Standard, Deluxe, and Premium, with the latter offering the most exclusive content. With pre-orders now live, fans of the franchise will be eager to get their hands on the game and experience the thrill of racing on the PS5.