Forza Horizon 6 Set in Japan, Launching in 2026

REDMOND, Wash. — Microsoft announced that the next installment in the Forza Horizon racing series will be set in Japan and is slated for release in 2026.

The announcement, revealed via an Instagram post earlier today, features a teaser video which states, “The Horizon Festival is heading to Japan. Coming 2026. Wishlist now!” The post has since been removed, but not before it was widely shared across social media platforms.

This will be the first time the Forza Horizon series visits Asia, a setting fans have long requested. The teaser includes familiar imagery from previous games, with a highlight of iconic Japanese landmarks, including a view of Mount Fuji.

Forza Horizon 6 will be available on Xbox Game Pass and is also classified as an Xbox Play Anywhere title, allowing users to play on multiple devices. Microsoft Gaming Chief Phil Spencer had previously hinted at a new Forza title, making the recent announcement less surprising to fans.

The Forza Horizon series has a successful history, with the previous release, Forza Horizon 5, set in Mexico. This game has received positive feedback from players and critics alike, being described as a contender for the best driving game. The franchise has become known for its immersive open-world environments and extensive car collections.

In July, Turn 10 Studios, responsible for the Forza Motorsport series, announced layoffs which significantly affected their staff. Currently, the remaining team is focusing on supporting Playground Games with the development of Forza Horizon.

As Microsoft prepares for the Tokyo Game Show, the company faces additional scrutiny due to broader social issues, including recent petitions from Xbox developers regarding its associations with international conflicts.

With the event happening later today, fans eagerly await further information about Forza Horizon 6 and other upcoming Xbox titles.