Forza Horizon 6 Announced at Tokyo Game Show, Coming Out in 2026

In an Xbox Wire blog posted after the announcement, Art Director Don Arceta and Cultural Consultant Kyoko Yamashita shared more details on why Japan now. Part of it was “practicalities” as the post puts it, stating that technical advances can now keep up with representing Japan “correctly.” While there are certainly other ways to capture an entire area and culture that don’t hinge on graphics, this thinking isn’t surprising here, given that the Forza series is known for its commitment to testing the visual capabilities of modern tech.

Additionally, there does seem to be an attempt to ensure the game doesn’t just look like a surface-level portrayal of Japan, with Yamashita saying, “Japan is widely loved, but it can also be widely misread when you only see it from afar. The team wanted to present more than a postcard or a backdrop; they wanted a lived-in world. Having a cultural consultant early helps you make a thousand small, respectful decisions: how neighborhoods sound, even what a sign color communicates about a shop. Those small choices add up to credibility and help avoid stereotypes, while also making it a truly immersive experience for players.” The blog post ends with Arceta sharing that more details about Forza Horizon 6 will come in early 2026. 

While this announcement will almost certainly be met with hype, given the series’ long-time fanbase, some are likely reacting with relief as well. The Forza series received a significant shake-up after Team 10, which focused on Forza Motorsport, was heavily impacted by Microsoft’s wave of job cuts this past summer. The remaining team members have pivoted from the now-shuttered Forza Motorsport series to supporting Playground Games with the Forza Horizon titles. 

It’s also worth noting that, as a Microsoft-published game, Forza Horizon 6 will be subject to the ongoing BDS Xbox boycott that has been steadily gaining support, including from developers under Microsoft. How any of these factors influence Forza Horizon 6, if at all, will be seen in 2026.