{
  "id": 13026386,
  "title": "Forza Horizon 6 PS5 release delayed to early 2027 to avoid GTA 6 clash",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/forza-horizon-6-ps5-release-delayed-to-early-2027-to-avoid-gta-6-clash",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-09T04:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/technology/gaming/2026-10-09-forza-horizon-6-ps5-release-delayed-to-early-2027-to-avoid-gta-6-clash/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Gaming enthusiasts often express strong dissatisfaction when their favorite titles experience delays. This is currently the case for Forza Horizon 6, which will only arrive on PS5 early next year. Despite the game's official release on Xbox Series X|S and PC in May as expected, PlayStation users remain in anticipation. The primary reason for postponing the PS5 version is to prevent a clash with GTA 6, which is scheduled for a November release. Both games revolve around high-speed racing action, and releasing them concurrently could have a negative impact on Forza Horizon 6 sales.\n\nThe multi-platform rollout is also attributed to new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, who succeeded Phil Spencer earlier in 2026. Under her leadership, Microsoft has deviated from console exclusives, releasing major titles like Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution on the PS5. The decision to bring Forza Horizon 6 to PlayStation has come after the significant cross-platform success of Forza Horizon 5. Reports indicate that Forza Horizon 5 generated more than $300 million in revenue on PS5, suggesting that Xbox anticipates similar success for its upcoming sequel. The wait for the PS5 release is expected to be worth it: IGN praised Forza Horizon 6 upon its Xbox launch, awarding it a perfect score and describing it as the best-looking and best-sounding game Playground Games has ever created, set in the most stunning map they've ever developed.",
  "summary": "Microsoft has reportedly delayed the PS5 launch of Forza Horizon 6 to early 2027 to dodge direct competition with Grand Theft Auto 6 and maximise revenue under Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's multi-platform strategy.",
  "key_points": [
    "Forza Horizon 6 delayed to early 2027 on PS5",
    "Clash with GTA 6 release on November avoided",
    "Xbox CEO Asha Sharma drives cross-platform strategy"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The delay of Forza Horizon 6 on PS5 until early 2027 allows it to avoid competition with GTA 6, potentially protecting its sales, and reflects Microsoft's strategy of releasing major titles on multiple platforms.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}