"Forza Horizon 6": Racing game leaked before release
Days before release, some users are playing a cracked version of "Forza Horizon 6", the developers confirmed. How it got online is unclear.
(Image: Playground Games)
The racing game “Forza Horizon 6” leaked online as a cracked version several days before its official release. Microsoft developer Playground Games commented on the leak in a post on X, stating they were aware of the reports. “We encourage fans to sit tight for the game’s release on May 19.”
Videos of gameplay snippets from the upcoming racing game are circulating on Reddit, YouTube, and other social platforms, some of which have since been deleted. How exactly a build of “Forza Horizon 6” got online is unclear. Pre-order customers can already download “Forza Horizon 6” on platforms like Steam to play immediately upon release. Such a preload is common for major games and can cause problems if, for example, an unencrypted version is accidentally offered for preload. According to Playground Games, however, no error with the preload version is responsible for the leaked version of “Forza Horizon 6.”
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“Franchise-wide bans”
The operator of the unofficial Steam database SteamDB suspects instead that a person with early access to the game is responsible for the leak. This could be someone participating in the review program for “Forza Horizon 6.” While fans can only store game files on their hard drive during the preload, selected media and industry representatives are often allowed to play the game before release to offer reviews and other coverage in time for the launch.
Developer Playground Games strongly advises users not to download and play the cracked version. “We are taking strict measures against all individuals caught accessing this version, including franchise-wide and hardware-based bans.” The developer is wielding a big stick here – anyone caught playing the pirated copy will be permanently banned from playing any “Forza” game officially. It is unclear how Playground Games intends to identify these individuals and enforce the threatened penalties.
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Build leaks are doubly unpleasant
When early builds leak online prematurely, it is often unpleasant for developers – not least, but not exclusively, for financial reasons. Review builds are not necessarily finished either. Such game access often comes with additional documentation about known errors and bugs that are to be fixed by a final release version. Furthermore, reviewers must adhere to certain rules upon publication, which could prohibit the dissemination of certain spoilers, for example. Such control is not possible with a public leak.
When a developer build of “Space Marine 2” leaked online in 2024, the developers expressed their dismay: “It is disheartening that many of the surprises we wanted to keep secret have been revealed,” they wrote in a statement.
“Forza Horizon 6” is the latest installment in the popular “Forza Horizon” series. Unlike the “Forza Motorsport” games, the “Horizon” installments are arcade racers that entertain with fast-paced races and challenges in an open-game world. Part 6 is set in Japan and is intended to depict the largest and most detailed game world in the series' history to date. Around 550 cars are expected to be available at launch. The title will initially be released for PC and Xbox Series X/S, with a PlayStation 5 version to follow. Purchasers of the Premium Edition for PC and Xbox can play as early as May 15 as part of exclusive early access.
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