How Forza Horizon 6 Aims To Get Its Japanese Details Right

Forza Horizon 6 is set to bring the popular racing game series to Japan, and the developers have taken steps to ensure an authentic and immersive experience. They have hired a cultural consultant, Kyoko Yamashita, to guide them throughout the development process. Yamashita emphasized the importance of presenting Japan in a more nuanced way, beyond just a "postcard or a backdrop." The team aimed to create a "lived-in world" by making thousands of small, respectful decisions about the game's environment, including the sounds of neighborhoods and the communication of shop signs. The approach to authenticity extended to the game's seasonal changes and day-and-night cycles, as well as the incorporation of Japan's rich car culture. The developers wanted to capture the depth and diversity of Japanese automotive enthusiasts, from the popularity of Kei cars and vans to the roots of drifting and the passion for customization. Forza Horizon 6 is expected to be released in 2026 on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and eventually on PS5 as a post-launch release. It will be available on Xbox Game Pass on day one.