Playground Games has released the official launch trailer for Forza Horizon 6, revealing the upcoming racing title is set in Japan [1].
The move to a Japanese setting marks a significant shift for the franchise, catering to long-standing fan demand for the region's iconic roads and automotive culture. By expanding the roster and environment, Microsoft aims to maintain the series' dominance in the open-world racing genre.
The trailer showcases a detailed open world featuring Japanese landscapes and cityscapes [1]. According to the footage, the game will include more than 550 real-world cars [1]. This expansive vehicle list is paired with new open-world features designed to evolve the gameplay experience [2].
Forza Horizon 6 is scheduled for release on Xbox and PC on May 19, 2026 [1]. While the initial launch focuses on Microsoft platforms, a PlayStation version is also planned for release sometime in 2026 [1].
Playground Games developed the title, which is published by Microsoft [1]. The promotional materials highlight the game's progression systems, and post-launch plans to keep the community engaged after the initial release [3]. The launch trailer serves as the primary introduction to the game's visual fidelity and mechanical updates before the May 19 launch [1].
“The game’s open world is set in Japan.”
The decision to bring the Forza Horizon series to PlayStation represents a strategic shift in Microsoft's gaming ecosystem, moving toward a multi-platform distribution model for its major first-party titles. Additionally, selecting Japan as the setting allows the developers to leverage the global popularity of Japanese car culture, potentially increasing the game's appeal to a broader international audience.
