It was rumored earlier this year that Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios are setting Forza Horizon 6 in Japan. While the initial announcement trailer only hinted at this with Mount Fuji in the background, Xbox Game Studios has invested significantly to ensure the developers accurately portray Japanese culture. This includes enlisting a cultural consultant to guide the entire development process.
Cultural consultant Kyoko Yamashita, writing on Xbox Wire, elaborated on why the Forza Horizon 6 team prioritized a deep understanding of Japan for the game`s recreation.
According to Yamashita, “While Japan is broadly admired, it`s often misinterpreted when viewed from a distance. The team`s ambition was to create a vibrant, lived-in world, not just a scenic backdrop. An early cultural consultation enables countless small, respectful choices – from the ambient sounds of neighborhoods to the subtle meaning conveyed by a shop sign`s color. These nuanced decisions build credibility, prevent stereotypes, and ultimately craft a deeply immersive player experience.”
Yamashita emphasized that authenticity was treated as “a continuous practice, not merely a checklist,” influencing everything from seasonal transitions to day-and-night cycles. While Forza Horizon 6`s Japan won`t be a precise replica of the entire country, it`s designed to resonate authentically with both locals and international visitors, particularly in its depiction of Japan`s distinctive car culture.
Regarding Japan`s car culture, Yamashita observed its “astonishing depth and diversity.” She specifically mentioned “Kei cars and vans with dedicated followings, the precision of motorsport, the origins of drifting, and a strong passion for customization.” She added, “It`s inclusive of varying levels of enthusiasm and knowledge, which is precisely the kind of multifaceted world I aim for players to experience.”
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Forza Horizon 6 is scheduled for release in 2026 on Xbox Series X|S and PC, launching directly onto Xbox Game Pass. A PlayStation 5 version is also in development, planned for a post-launch release.