Schlagwort: Forza Horizon 5

  • Forza Horizon 5: Tauche am 25. April in die Horizon Realms ein

    Forza Horizon 5: Tauche am 25. April in die Horizon Realms ein

    Reading Time: 5 minutes

    This April, the Horizon Festival evolves with Horizon Realms.

    This brand-new feature will let players dig into Forza Horizon 5’s history of Evolving World updates. Explore 12 fantastic Evolving World locations: 11 of the best previously limited-time locations and the premiering Stadium Track.

    Collect new Horizon Realms-exclusive accolades to unlock four new-to-Horizon reward cars. 

    Revisit your favorite environments, or discover them for the first time, in Horizon Realms available for every platform on April 25! 

    A Selection of the Best Evolving Worlds

    Horizon Realms gives players the chance to explore a hand-picked collection of some of the community’s favorite previously released Evolving World updates. 

    Get ready to (re-)discover and adventure though these beloved locations while behind the wheel of your favorite cars: 

    • Stunt Park 

    • Ice Rink 

    • Oval Track 

    • Summer Party 

    • Neon Airstrip

    • Día de Muertos 

    • Winter Wonderland 

    • Lunar Drift Arena 

    • Retrowave Highway 

    • Cars and Coffee 

    • Stadium Maze

    Along with these 11 returning environments, we are bringing the brand-new Stadium Track!
    You can also race around this Evolving World with the new permanent race route coming to the game, the Horizon Stadium Circuit. You can find details further into this post. 

    New Dedicated Accolade Tab

    A new Accolade Tab exclusive to Horizon Realms will be added to the game featuring 60+ accolades. While most of them are new to this update, you will also be able to unlock previously released accolades tied to the returning Evolving Worlds that are now accessible with Horizon Realms.  

    Each of the Evolving World locations featured in Horizon Realms includes 5 new accolades to unlock! Find them under the Horizon Realms Accolades tab. You can also find an Accolade for the Horizon Stadium Circuit under the Road Racing tab.

    Complete Horizon Realms Accolades to acquire 12 new badges coming to the game. Plus, for the first time ever, unlocking an accolade will reward the player with #Forzathon Points! Go for a 100% in every Realm and unlock rewards with your newly acquired Points.

    Earning accolades will also score new cars for your garage. Complete unique challenges featured on every Realm to unlock four new-to-Horizon reward cars:

    • Lamborghini’s take on a hyper hybrid, the 2024 Lamborghini Revuelto

    • Stomp the off-road scene with the 2023 Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato

    • The mightiest version of the Exige, the 2018 Lotus Exige Cup 430

    • Ride the king of the Ice Age with the 2022 Hennessey Mammoth 6×6

    Two Ways to Dive into Horizon Realms

    There will be two different ways to experience Horizon Realms: 

    Skill Mode

    Choose one of the Horizon Realms to enter and try to bank as much Skill Score as possible. Each Evolving World has its own separate Skill Score leaderboard, and there will also be a total Skill Score Leaderboard tallying up all points banked on each Realm – so try to take the top spot in all of them! 

    Earning enough Skill Score will also unlock new player Badges unique to Horizon Realms! 

    Free Mode

    This mode puts the leaderboards to the side and focuses on players having a good time in their favorite Realms. 

    Enter on your own or with your friends in a Convoy to explore your favorite Realms, obtain Badges tied to previous content updates, unlock accolades to earn #Forzathon Points, and more! 

    Start Your Engines at the New Horizon Stadium Circuit

    Line up at the starting line of a brand-new race route: the Horizon Stadium Circuit! Featuring corners, bends, and racing decorations, this new track will become a permanent race route in the game – complete with its own event icon on the map and Rivals leaderboard! 

    Score your best time on this new race route in Rivals and Horizon Open and explore the Stadium Track Realm in Horizon Realms‘ Free Mode and Skill Mode.

    Explore Nissan’s Heritage with a New Car Pack

    Four new cars from throughout Nissan’s automotive history will become available for purchase as Forza Horizon 5 releases for PlayStation 5 with the Nissan Retro Rides Car Pack.

    This new DLC pack includes the 1989 Nissan Pao, 1991 Nissan Figaro, 1989 Nissan S-Cargo, and the 1987 Nissan Be-1.

    Add these cars to your collection and customize them how you want!

    The Nissan Retro Rides Car Pack will be available starting April 25 for $4.99/€4.99/£3.99. Players who bought the Ultimate Car Pack Collection will receive this Car Pack at no additional cost.

    Pre-order Forza Horizon 5 on PlayStation 5 Today!

    Forza Horizon 5 is now available for pre-order ahead of its PS5 release on April 29! Visit the PlayStation Store to pre-purchase one of Forza Horizon 5’s different editions.

    Standard Edition comes with the complete base game and its free content and features like Horizon Realms.

    Get access to an extra 42 cars added with Car Pass by purchasing the Deluxe Edition of Forza Horizon 5.

    Upgrade your adventure to the fullest with the Premium Edition. This edition comes with both Forza Horizon 5 expansions (Rally Adventure and Hot Wheels), 42 additional cars from Car Pass, VIP Membership, and extra perks that are included in the Welcome Pack.

    Pre-ordering Premium Edition also grants you Early Access to the game, starting April 25, 2025!

    No matter which version of the game you choose to pre-order, you will get a special bundle completely free of charge with your purchase including:

    • Forza Horizon 5’s cover car: the 2021 Mercedes-AMG Mercedes-AMG ONE

    • 5,000 #Forzathon Points which can be used to buy cars and cosmetics

    • 5 Backstage Passes which can be used to unlock any hard-to-find car available in the Backstage Shop

    If you’re already playing Forza Horizon 5, be sure to share the news with your PS5 friends and invite them to join us at the Horizon Festival as cross-play will be available between all platforms!

    PlayStation 5 Graphics Modes

    Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 features two rendering modes to choose from: Performance (60fps) and Quality (30fps).

    On PS5 Pro, the Performance mode receives increased visual fidelity, while Quality mode adds ray traced car reflections to Races and Free Roam.

    We hope you are looking forward to exploring Forza Horizon 5’s vast open world and features with Horizon Realms across all platforms the game is available on. Remember that you can pre-order any version of Forza Horizon 5 starting today on the PlayStation Store to receive a special bundle; pre-purchasing Premium Edition will grant you Early Access on April 25.

    We’ll see you at the Horizon Festival soon!

    Website: LINK

  • Forza Horizon 5: Dive into the Horizon Realms on April 25

    Forza Horizon 5: Dive into the Horizon Realms on April 25

    Reading Time: 5 minutes

    This April, the Horizon Festival evolves with Horizon Realms.

    This brand-new feature will let players dig into Forza Horizon 5’s history of Evolving World updates. Explore 12 fantastic Evolving World locations: 11 of the best previously limited-time locations and the premiering Stadium Track.

    Collect new Horizon Realms-exclusive accolades to unlock four new-to-Horizon reward cars. 

    Revisit your favorite environments, or discover them for the first time, in Horizon Realms available for every platform on April 25! 

    A Selection of the Best Evolving Worlds

    Horizon Realms gives players the chance to explore a hand-picked collection of some of the community’s favorite previously released Evolving World updates. 

    Get ready to (re-)discover and adventure though these beloved locations while behind the wheel of your favorite cars: 

    • Stunt Park 

    • Ice Rink 

    • Oval Track 

    • Summer Party 

    • Neon Airstrip

    • Día de Muertos 

    • Winter Wonderland 

    • Lunar Drift Arena 

    • Retrowave Highway 

    • Cars and Coffee 

    • Stadium Maze

    Along with these 11 returning environments, we are bringing the brand-new Stadium Track!
    You can also race around this Evolving World with the new permanent race route coming to the game, the Horizon Stadium Circuit. You can find details further into this post. 

    New Dedicated Accolade Tab

    A new Accolade Tab exclusive to Horizon Realms will be added to the game featuring 60+ accolades. While most of them are new to this update, you will also be able to unlock previously released accolades tied to the returning Evolving Worlds that are now accessible with Horizon Realms.  

    Each of the Evolving World locations featured in Horizon Realms includes 5 new accolades to unlock! Find them under the Horizon Realms Accolades tab. You can also find an Accolade for the Horizon Stadium Circuit under the Road Racing tab.

    Complete Horizon Realms Accolades to acquire 12 new badges coming to the game. Plus, for the first time ever, unlocking an accolade will reward the player with #Forzathon Points! Go for a 100% in every Realm and unlock rewards with your newly acquired Points.

    Earning accolades will also score new cars for your garage. Complete unique challenges featured on every Realm to unlock four new-to-Horizon reward cars:

    • Lamborghini’s take on a hyper hybrid, the 2024 Lamborghini Revuelto

    • Stomp the off-road scene with the 2023 Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato

    • The mightiest version of the Exige, the 2018 Lotus Exige Cup 430

    • Ride the king of the Ice Age with the 2022 Hennessey Mammoth 6×6

    Two Ways to Dive into Horizon Realms

    There will be two different ways to experience Horizon Realms: 

    Skill Mode

    Choose one of the Horizon Realms to enter and try to bank as much Skill Score as possible. Each Evolving World has its own separate Skill Score leaderboard, and there will also be a total Skill Score Leaderboard tallying up all points banked on each Realm – so try to take the top spot in all of them! 

    Earning enough Skill Score will also unlock new player Badges unique to Horizon Realms! 

    Free Mode

    This mode puts the leaderboards to the side and focuses on players having a good time in their favorite Realms. 

    Enter on your own or with your friends in a Convoy to explore your favorite Realms, obtain Badges tied to previous content updates, unlock accolades to earn #Forzathon Points, and more! 

    Start Your Engines at the New Horizon Stadium Circuit

    Line up at the starting line of a brand-new race route: the Horizon Stadium Circuit! Featuring corners, bends, and racing decorations, this new track will become a permanent race route in the game – complete with its own event icon on the map and Rivals leaderboard! 

    Score your best time on this new race route in Rivals and Horizon Open and explore the Stadium Track Realm in Horizon Realms‘ Free Mode and Skill Mode.

    Explore Nissan’s Heritage with a New Car Pack

    Four new cars from throughout Nissan’s automotive history will become available for purchase as Forza Horizon 5 releases for PlayStation 5 with the Nissan Retro Rides Car Pack.

    This new DLC pack includes the 1989 Nissan Pao, 1991 Nissan Figaro, 1989 Nissan Scargo, and the 1987 Nissan Be-1.

    Add these cars to your collection and customize them how you want!

    The Nissan Retro Rides Car Pack will be available starting April 25 for $4.99/€4.99/£3.99. Players who bought the Ultimate Car Pack Collection will receive this Car Pack at no additional cost.

    Pre-order Forza Horizon 5 on PlayStation 5 Today!

    Forza Horizon 5 is now available for pre-order ahead of its PS5 release on April 29! Visit the PlayStation Store to pre-purchase one of Forza Horizon 5’s different editions.

    Standard Edition comes with the complete base game and its free content and features like Horizon Realms.

    Get access to an extra 42 cars added with Car Pass by purchasing the Deluxe Edition of Forza Horizon 5.

    Upgrade your adventure to the fullest with the Premium Edition. This edition comes with both Forza Horizon 5 expansions (Rally Adventure and Hot Wheels), 42 additional cars from Car Pass, VIP Membership, and extra perks that are included in the Welcome Pack.

    Pre-ordering Premium Edition also grants you Early Access to the game, starting April 25, 2025!

    No matter which version of the game you choose to pre-order, you will get a special bundle completely free of charge with your purchase including:

    • Forza Horizon 5’s cover car: the 2021 Mercedes-AMG Mercedes-AMG ONE

    • 5,000 #Forzathon Points which can be used to buy cars and cosmetics

    • 5 Backstage Passes which can be used to unlock any hard-to-find car available in the Backstage Shop

    If you’re already playing Forza Horizon 5, be sure to share the news with your PS5 friends and invite them to join us at the Horizon Festival as cross-play will be available between all platforms!

    PlayStation 5 Graphics Modes

    Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 features two rendering modes to choose from: Performance (60fps) and Quality (30fps).

    On PS5 Pro, the Performance mode receives increased visual fidelity, while Quality mode adds ray traced car reflections to Races and Free Roam.

    We hope you are looking forward to exploring Forza Horizon 5’s vast open world and features with Horizon Realms across all platforms the game is available on. Remember that you can pre-order any version of Forza Horizon 5 starting today on the PlayStation Store to receive a special bundle; pre-purchasing Premium Edition will grant you Early Access on April 25.

    We’ll see you at the Horizon Festival soon!

    Website: LINK

  • Xbox Gaming kommt auf Amazon Fire TV: Mehr Spiele, keine Konsole nötig

    Xbox Gaming kommt auf Amazon Fire TV: Mehr Spiele, keine Konsole nötig

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    Bei Xbox möchten wir allen die Freude und das Gemeinschaftsgefühl des Gamings zugänglich machen. Heute geben wir unsere Kollaboration mit Amazon bekannt, durch die Xbox Game Pass Ultimate-Mitglieder in über 25 Ländern die Möglichkeit bekommen, direkt über die Xbox App auf ausgewählten Fire TV-Geräten via Cloud-Gaming zu spielen. Dies bietet den Menschen noch mehr Auswahl darüber, wie sie ihre Lieblingstitel spielen.

    Die Xbox App wird bald auf dem Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023) (79,99 Euro) und dem Fire TV Stick 4K (2023) (69,99 Euro) verfügbar sein. Für Gaming-Neueinsteiger*innen oder für diejenigen, die eine weitere Art des Spielens suchen, ist dies eine großartige, kostengünstige, praktische und mobile Option, um in den Genuss einer riesigen Spielebibliothek zu kommen.

    Um loszulegen, wird lediglich ein Fire TV Stick, ein Bluetooth-fähiger Wireless-Controller und eine Xbox Game Pass Ultimate-Mitgliedschaft für einen sofortigen Zugriff auf Hunderte von hochwertigen Spielen benötigt. Zu diesen Spielen zählen Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, Starfield und Forza Horizon 5 und viele mehr.

    Außerdem sind die beliebten Fallout-Spiele, wie Fallout 76 und Fallout 4, von Bethesda Game Studios ebenfalls im Game Pass Ultimate verfügbar. Fallout-Fans können diese Spiele auf ausgewählten Amazon Fire TV-Geräten genießen und die gefeierte Fallout-TV-Show auf Prime Video erleben, die im April veröffentlicht wurde.

    Nach dem Download bietet die Xbox App ein reibungs- und nahtloses Erlebnis. So funktioniert es:

    • Installiere und starte einfach die Xbox App auf Deinem Fire TV Gerät.
    • Melde Dich mit Deinem Microsoft-Konto an, um zu spielen. Wenn Du Xbox Game Pass Ultimate-Mitglied bist, hast Du sofortigen Zugriff auf Hunderte von Cloud-fähigen Spielen.
    • Kein Mitglied? Kein Problem! Du kannst Xbox Game Pass Ultimate zu einem geringen monatlichen Preis abonnieren oder Fortnite ohne Mitgliedschaft ausprobieren.
    • Verbinde einen Bluetooth-fähigen Wireless-Controller. Controller wie der Xbox Wireless Controller, Xbox Adaptive Controller, PlayStation DualSense oder DualShock 4-Controller sind alle kompatibel.
    • Fang an zu spielen!

    In den letzten Jahren haben wir uns auf eine Reise begeben, um Cloud-Gaming für mehr Geräte und für mehr Menschen auf der ganzen Welt bereitzustellen. Wir freuen uns, unsere wachsende Familie von Cloud-Gaming-Geräten mit Fire TV zu erweitern, und sind gespannt darauf, neue Spieler*innen willkommen zu heißen.

    Mehr Details folgen. Weitere Informationen zu Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) auf Fire TV Geräten findest Du hier im Amazon-Blog. Weitere Informationen zu Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) findest Du unter xbox.com/cloudgaming.

    Website: LINK

  • Forza Horizon 5: Modern Horizons Update enthält 5 ikonische Autos aus Film und Fernsehen

    Forza Horizon 5: Modern Horizons Update enthält 5 ikonische Autos aus Film und Fernsehen

    Reading Time: 6 minutes

    Now that flashback is over, it’s in with the new as Modern Horizons brings some of the greatest machines of our current decade. Technology, innovation, and a lot of power come to play as this series’ Festival Playlist Reward cars: the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, 2021 Toyota GR Yaris, 2023 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Turbo S, and the 2023 KIA EV6 GT. 18 new EventLab props to create your dream highway are joining your collection complete with everything you need to create a modern motorway. Five icons from your favorite movies and TV shows for a spin across the Horizon Festival with the Universal Icons Car Pack available for purchase now. This series’ collectible item takes technology even further than we thought. Meet the Robot Collectible on the second week of the Festival Playlist. The 21st century shines on Horizon Festival in our latest update: Modern Horizons.

    Release Notes and Game Fixes.

    General

    • General performance and stability fixes

    Cars

    • Fixed an issue with the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 where it wasn’t possible to tune the gear ratio while in stock configuration

    You can find a list of issues we are currently investigating here. The Troubleshooting Hub is always open for you to leave any reports you have.

    Your Way IS the Highway with New EventLab Props

    There are some who will do anything to escape the traffic and mundane sensation of driving on a motorway.

    Then there are others who replicate their daily commute or create new highways on their favorite games.

    For this second group of people, we have added the latest 17 EventLab props that include everything you need to build a modern road.

    This list of props includes:

    Roads & Racing

    Gameplay

    • Robot Collectible

    Every highway piece features snapping functionality for easier attachment!

    Festival Playlist.

    Modern wonders with an electric touch, muscle power, and maximum comfort make way as the Reward Cars available for each week of Modern Horizons and as a Series reward.

    Can you unlock these future legendary vehicles?

2023 KIA EV6 GT

Earn 80 PTS during the Modern Horizons Festival Playlist to unlock as a Series Reward.

The 2023 KIA EV6 GT has the heart-and-home feel of an SUV that crosses the “GT” line on the sand to become a racing utility vehicle that’s as comfy as it is powerful.

Like a futuristic spaceship, EV6 GT features a green button on the steering wheel that unlocks its true power, transforming this changeling from urban driver into racing speedster able to go from 0 – 100 kmh in just 3.2 seconds using its surprising 576 bhp.

To keep you on your toes from the get-go, this KIA’s inside is adorned with racing interiors like the seats and trim, so even the tamest drives around the Festival will have the unique race-to-the-finish feel.

Did we mention it’s 4 wheel-drive and electric? Because it is and we love it.

2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Earn 20 PTS during Week 1 “Summer” Season on the Modern Horizons Festival Playlist. Available from June 20 until June 27

Galloping to the Horizon Festival with crashing footfalls; it’s the latest, biggest, and meanest horse we have seen: the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse.

As soon as you pop this car’s hood you will be greeted with a very delightful badge, one that says “5.0”. The emblem is not there only for decoration, it’s to remind you of the massive 5.0-liter V8 naturally aspirated Coyote engine that drives this car forward and powers it with 500 horsepower.

6-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive to get the complete muscle car experience and an updated braking system to excel its performance on the track as well

Enjoy the reckless charge of the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse!

2023 Hyundai iONIQ 5 N

Earn 20 PTS during Week 2 “Autumn” Season on the Modern Horizons Festival Playlist. Available from June 27 until July 4

The future has arrived. Looking like your regular Sunday-drive SUV, but hiding a potent powertrain and futuristic technology, the 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is an auspice for cars to come.

The all-electric powertrain will put its 320 bhp to work and to make the 5 N vanish right in front of your eyes as it reaches 100 kmh from a standstill in 4.5 seconds.

This new iONIQ is a great outdoors partner with an upgraded towing capacity, a great ride, and a minimalist interior design you’ll want to live in.

2021 Toyota GR Yaris

Earn 20 PTS during Week 3 “Winter” Season on the Modern Horizons Festival Playlist. Available from July 4 until July 11

Running on sheer force of vigor and with a willingness to take you from point A to point B in the least number of seconds possible, the 2021 Toyota GR Yaris is taking its shot as your new favorite hot hatch.

The GR is quite hot, actually: a daredevilish four-wheel drive system to make quick work of corners, a very eager 2.1-liter turbocharged engine that puts out 257 bhp, and a six-speed manual transmission to experience corner taking like a true champion built to smash the giants of the track.

Drive around the Horizon Festival in the new benchmark for modern hatchbacks and create your own special build of the versatile vehicle.

2023 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Turbo S

Earn 20 PTS during Week 4 “Spring” Season on the Modern Horizons Festival Playlist. Available from July 11 until July 15

Picture it: the echo of eons of Porsche’s magnificent history added to modern electric technology and comfort of an all-wheel-drive SUV. You don’t have to imagine it anymore: it’s the 2023 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Turbo S,: Porsche’s all-electric sports utility vehicle.

As the name implies, this Taycan shares a lot of aspects and components with its sedan counterpart. However, the electric SUV comes with two engines that output 750 horses as soon as you touch that pedal. You will cruise so comfortably inside; you’d probably forget that this vehicle can reach 100 kmh in just 2.4 seconds.

Porsche reaps the past by adding elements of its racing legacy into this model which perfectly contrasts with the new generation additions such as touch screens and, of course, the completely modern electric power train bringing the racing history of the brand into the modern era.

Universal Icons Car Pack

From the big screen to your gaming monitor, these icons from your favorite movies and TV shows take the Horizon Festival for a retro revival!

Experience new adventures for K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider, the Jurassic Park 1992 Jeep Wrangler Sahara, and all 3 versions of the Time Machine from the Back to the Future trilogy!

Time Machine from Back to the Future

The original Time Machine from Back to the Future has arrived at the Horizon Festival!

Lights and sounds similar to what you saw on the film will burst out of the car just when you hit 88 mph.

Time Machine from Back to the Future Part II

Complete with the new Mr. Fusion attachment, the second iteration of the Time Machine will also be available on the Universal Icons Car Pack.

Just like the first Time Machine, this one will display unique effects once the classic 88 mph speed is met.

Time Machine from Back to the Future Part III

Back to the Future’s Time Machine from the saga’s third instalment will be at your disposal in this Car Pack.

The driving experience of this Time Machine really sets it apart from the previous two versions, and of course, this one will also produce the iconic VFX of its movie counterpart when it reaches, you guessed it, 88 mph.

1992 Jeep Wrangler Sahara from Jurassic Park

From Isla Nublar, the Horizon Festival welcomes Jurassic Park’s 1992 Jeep Wrangler Sahara.

Your vehicle of choice to race on the different off-roading courses in Mexico or to take on a cozy tour watching unusually large ancient reptiles.

K.I.T.T from Knight Rider

Villains hidden across the Horizon Festival, beware! A muscle car powered by justice and artificial intelligence has arrived.

K.I.T.T also comes with a body kit (no pun intended) that allows it to activate Super Pursuit Mode!

You’re Gonna Need a Bigger Car…

Lurking in the deepest corners of the Festival Playlist’s second week is an outfit so amazing nobody has been able to keep it in captivity. From the bottom of the ocean, get your character ready to wear the Shark Outfit–includes swim trunks and fins!

Complete Week 2 EventLab “Laderas Core” by PinHead Larry06 to unlock this exclusive outfit.

A Modern Construct to Add to Your Collection

BEEP BOOP BOP!
Transmission confirmed.
Location of the new collectible: unknown. Coolness level: the highest.

Modern Horizon’s second week Collectible event will give you the chance to find and smash.

You will also be able to add this automaton to your EventLab constructions in case you were looking for a futuristic theme or build a robotic scenario.

What’s Next

Time to slow things down and take a well-deserved breather!

Forza Horizon 5’s next update will feature a new Evolving World Coffee Shop, as well as new collectibles and clothing items, and, of course, new cars to unlock and collect!

Website: LINK

  • Forza Horizon 5: Modern Horizons Update Brings 5 Iconic Cars from Movies and TV

    Forza Horizon 5: Modern Horizons Update Brings 5 Iconic Cars from Movies and TV

    Reading Time: 6 minutes

    Now that flashback is over, it’s in with the new as Modern Horizons brings some of the greatest machines of our current decade. Technology, innovation, and a lot of power come to play as this series’ Festival Playlist Reward cars: the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, 2021 Toyota GR Yaris, 2023 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Turbo S, and the 2023 KIA EV6 GT. 18 new EventLab props to create your dream highway are joining your collection complete with everything you need to create a modern motorway. Five icons from your favorite movies and TV shows for a spin across the Horizon Festival with the Universal Icons Car Pack available for purchase now. This series’ collectible item takes technology even further than we thought. Meet the Robot Collectible on the second week of the Festival Playlist. The 21st century shines on Horizon Festival in our latest update: Modern Horizons.

    Release Notes and Game Fixes.

    General

    • General performance and stability fixes

    Cars

    • Fixed an issue with the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 where it wasn’t possible to tune the gear ratio while in stock configuration

    You can find a list of issues we are currently investigating here. The Troubleshooting Hub is always open for you to leave any reports you have.

    Your Way IS the Highway with New EventLab Props

    There are some who will do anything to escape the traffic and mundane sensation of driving on a motorway.

    Then there are others who replicate their daily commute or create new highways on their favorite games.

    For this second group of people, we have added the latest 17 EventLab props that include everything you need to build a modern road.

    This list of props includes:

    Roads & Racing

    Gameplay

    • Robot Collectible

    Every highway piece features snapping functionality for easier attachment!

    Festival Playlist.

    Modern wonders with an electric touch, muscle power, and maximum comfort make way as the Reward Cars available for each week of Modern Horizons and as a Series reward.

    Can you unlock these future legendary vehicles?

    2023 KIA EV6 GT

    Earn 80 PTS during the Modern Horizons Festival Playlist to unlock as a Series Reward.

    The 2023 KIA EV6 GT has the heart-and-home feel of an SUV that crosses the “GT” line on the sand to become a racing utility vehicle that’s as comfy as it is powerful.

    Like a futuristic spaceship, EV6 GT features a green button on the steering wheel that unlocks its true power, transforming this changeling from urban driver into racing speedster able to go from 0 – 100 kmh in just 3.2 seconds using its surprising 576 bhp.

    To keep you on your toes from the get-go, this KIA’s inside is adorned with racing interiors like the seats and trim, so even the tamest drives around the Festival will have the unique race-to-the-finish feel.

    Did we mention it’s 4 wheel-drive and electric? Because it is and we love it.

    2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse

    Earn 20 PTS during Week 1 “Summer” Season on the Modern Horizons Festival Playlist. Available from June 20 until June 27

    Galloping to the Horizon Festival with crashing footfalls; it’s the latest, biggest, and meanest horse we have seen: the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse.

    As soon as you pop this car’s hood you will be greeted with a very delightful badge, one that says “5.0”. The emblem is not there only for decoration, it’s to remind you of the massive 5.0-liter V8 naturally aspirated Coyote engine that drives this car forward and powers it with 500 horsepower.

    6-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive to get the complete muscle car experience and an updated braking system to excel its performance on the track as well

    Enjoy the reckless charge of the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse!

    2023 Hyundai iONIQ 5 N

    Earn 20 PTS during Week 2 “Autumn” Season on the Modern Horizons Festival Playlist. Available from June 27 until July 4

    The future has arrived. Looking like your regular Sunday-drive SUV, but hiding a potent powertrain and futuristic technology, the 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is an auspice for cars to come.

    The all-electric powertrain will put its 320 bhp to work and to make the 5 N vanish right in front of your eyes as it reaches 100 kmh from a standstill in 4.5 seconds.

    This new iONIQ is a great outdoors partner with an upgraded towing capacity, a great ride, and a minimalist interior design you’ll want to live in.

    2021 Toyota GR Yaris

    Earn 20 PTS during Week 3 “Winter” Season on the Modern Horizons Festival Playlist. Available from July 4 until July 11

    Running on sheer force of vigor and with a willingness to take you from point A to point B in the least number of seconds possible, the 2021 Toyota GR Yaris is taking its shot as your new favorite hot hatch.

    The GR is quite hot, actually: a daredevilish four-wheel drive system to make quick work of corners, a very eager 2.1-liter turbocharged engine that puts out 257 bhp, and a six-speed manual transmission to experience corner taking like a true champion built to smash the giants of the track.

    Drive around the Horizon Festival in the new benchmark for modern hatchbacks and create your own special build of the versatile vehicle.

    2023 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Turbo S

    Earn 20 PTS during Week 4 “Spring” Season on the Modern Horizons Festival Playlist. Available from July 11 until July 15

    Picture it: the echo of eons of Porsche’s magnificent history added to modern electric technology and comfort of an all-wheel-drive SUV. You don’t have to imagine it anymore: it’s the 2023 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Turbo S,: Porsche’s all-electric sports utility vehicle.

    As the name implies, this Taycan shares a lot of aspects and components with its sedan counterpart. However, the electric SUV comes with two engines that output 750 horses as soon as you touch that pedal. You will cruise so comfortably inside; you’d probably forget that this vehicle can reach 100 kmh in just 2.4 seconds.

    Porsche reaps the past by adding elements of its racing legacy into this model which perfectly contrasts with the new generation additions such as touch screens and, of course, the completely modern electric power train bringing the racing history of the brand into the modern era.

    Universal Icons Car Pack

    From the big screen to your gaming monitor, these icons from your favorite movies and TV shows take the Horizon Festival for a retro revival!

    Experience new adventures for K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider, the Jurassic Park 1992 Jeep Wrangler Sahara, and all 3 versions of the Time Machine from the Back to the Future trilogy!

    Time Machine from Back to the Future

    The original Time Machine from Back to the Future has arrived at the Horizon Festival!

    Lights and sounds similar to what you saw on the film will burst out of the car just when you hit 88 mph.

    Time Machine from Back to the Future Part II

    Complete with the new Mr. Fusion attachment, the second iteration of the Time Machine will also be available on the Universal Icons Car Pack.

    Just like the first Time Machine, this one will display unique effects once the classic 88 mph speed is met.

    Time Machine from Back to the Future Part III

    Back to the Future’s Time Machine from the saga’s third instalment will be at your disposal in this Car Pack.

    The driving experience of this Time Machine really sets it apart from the previous two versions, and of course, this one will also produce the iconic VFX of its movie counterpart when it reaches, you guessed it, 88 mph.

    1992 Jeep Wrangler Sahara from Jurassic Park

    From Isla Nublar, the Horizon Festival welcomes Jurassic Park’s 1992 Jeep Wrangler Sahara.

    Your vehicle of choice to race on the different off-roading courses in Mexico or to take on a cozy tour watching unusually large ancient reptiles.

    K.I.T.T from Knight Rider

    Villains hidden across the Horizon Festival, beware! A muscle car powered by justice and artificial intelligence has arrived.

    K.I.T.T also comes with a body kit (no pun intended) that allows it to activate Super Pursuit Mode!

    You’re Gonna Need a Bigger Car…

    Lurking in the deepest corners of the Festival Playlist’s second week is an outfit so amazing nobody has been able to keep it in captivity. From the bottom of the ocean, get your character ready to wear the Shark Outfit–includes swim trunks and fins!

    Complete Week 2 EventLab “Laderas Core” by PinHead Larry06 to unlock this exclusive outfit.

    A Modern Construct to Add to Your Collection

    BEEP BOOP BOP!
    Transmission confirmed.
    Location of the new collectible: unknown. Coolness level: the highest.

    Modern Horizon’s second week Collectible event will give you the chance to find and smash.

    You will also be able to add this automaton to your EventLab constructions in case you were looking for a futuristic theme or build a robotic scenario.

    What’s Next

    Time to slow things down and take a well-deserved breather!

    Forza Horizon 5’s next update will feature a new Evolving World Coffee Shop, as well as new collectibles and clothing items, and, of course, new cars to unlock and collect!

    Website: LINK

  • Xbox and Women in Games International Partner to Elevate Main Character Energy for Women in Gaming

    Xbox and Women in Games International Partner to Elevate Main Character Energy for Women in Gaming

    Reading Time: 7 minutes

    Summary

    • Explore games featuring powerful women on Xbox Game Pass  
    • Katy Jo Wright, Xbox Senior Director, discusses the many ways women show up in the video game industry
    • Artist Amika Cooper celebrates women as main characters through redesigned Xbox logo 

    To celebrate women’s contributions to gaming, we’re focusing on the main character energy that women bring every single day to the Gaming industry. Whether it be the women who develop games, test games, or market games, we’re bringing our all to the franchises that you all know and love to play. As the Senior Director of Gaming for Everyone & Sustainability at Xbox, I’ve worked with the entire Gaming organization to ensure we’re approaching decisions with an inclusion mindset, because, as our Gaming for Everyone Core Principle states: “When we don’t intentionally include, we unintentionally exclude.” You can see the results of this across all of Xbox, and this is how we deliver on our mission to bring the joy and community of gaming to everyone on the planet.

    An approach I take in life is, “Live your life by design – not by default.” From a gaming perspective, we apply this with an “inclusion by design” framework to ensure women feel truly represented and experience a deep sense of belonging, across all aspects of gaming. Whether it’s about intentional, thoughtful character design where women see themselves as the main character, how people play either on console, PC, or handheld–the experiences for women gamers vary just as dramatically as any other community.  

    What excites me the most is seeing more women actively participating in gaming, either as a developer or a fan–or both! While we recognize International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, the work to ensure women feel represented, seen, and belong on Xbox happens every single day. It’s a journey and we’re always learning how to get better, but we’re committed and in it for the long haul. I believe that willingness to commit to every step in the journey, and get stronger with each step is main character energy.

    Join me in celebrating women who have inspired you in the gaming industry by posting on LinkedIn and nominating an #XboxMainCharacter. It could be a woman who developed a game you love, a content creator whose channel you love, or simply someone who helped you feel a sense of belonging and invited you to play! We stand on the shoulders of those who have done this work before us—the many amazing people who included us–and it is our legacy to continue supporting and making gaming approachable and inclusive for the women behind us. Join Xbox in our celebration by reading about the exciting activations taking place throughout the year below:



    Xbox and Women in Games International Partner to Connect Women in the Industry

    In celebration of Women’s History Month, Xbox is proud to announce an ongoing partnership with Women in Games International (WIGI), a nonprofit organization with a mission to cultivate resources to advance economic equality and diversity in the global games industry.

    WIGI was founded in 2005 and has been working to highlight, celebrate and connect women, femme-identifying, and nonbinary professionals in the games industry. Through their programs, newsletters, panels, workshops, and networking events, WIGI works to normalize diversity in the games industry by increasing representation and paving the way for the next generation of games industry professionals.

    Xbox shares WIGI’s vision of a more inclusive and diverse games industry, where everyone can play, create, and enjoy games. Xbox is committed to finding more ways to elevate women in gaming and support their growth and development. As part of our partnership, Xbox and WIGI will collaborate on initiatives connecting WIGI’s audience with the talent and resources that Xbox is able to share. We’ll share more details on Xbox’s partnership with Women in Games International at a later date.

    Together, WIGI and Xbox are working to uplift more of the main character energy happening among women in the games industry.

    You can learn more about WIGI and their work at their website: https://www.getwigi.com/. You can also follow them on Twitter: @getwigi and Facebook: Women in Games International.

    Gaming and Impact with Rewards 

    Microsoft Rewards members in the United States can earn and donate points to organizations supporting women with Xbox. The organizations below will be featured on console throughout March: 

    • Women in Games International – Women in Games International works to cultivate resources such as advanced knowledge sharing, access to technology, and actionable mentorship programs to normalize diversity in the games industry through increased representation. (US only)
    • National Center for Transgender EqualityNCTE advocates to change policies and society to increase understanding and acceptance of transgender people. In the nation’s capital and throughout the country, NCTE works to replace disrespect, discrimination, and violence with empathy, opportunity, and justice. (US Only)

    Xbox gamers can earn Rewards points in various ways, such as playing games and completing Game Pass Quests, and purchasing games and other eligible items at the Microsoft Store (exclusions apply). Earn points and redeem them for real rewards. Start earning today and donate through Xbox. 



    Explore Games Featuring Powerful Women  

     A compilation image featuring the box art for featured Game Pass games overlaying the stylized Xbox logo in recognition of Women's History Month featuring a pastel Xbox sphere in an abstract background. 

    Powerful can mean many things, from being able to take on a horde of enemies to being able to practice empathy for others. During March and beyond, you can play a variety of game collections featuring powerful women as protagonists and games created by women. ​ 

    Check out the Store’s community games collection, available on the Microsoft Stores on Xbox and Windows. This collection exists year-round as part of our ongoing work to create more inclusive gaming ecosystems and elevate content that resonates with communities. For Xbox Game Pass members, explore what is available in the Xbox Game Pass community collection on Xbox and the PC Game Pass community collection on Windows.​ 

    Examples of powerful games to play include these awesome titles and more: ​ 

    • Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud, and Rated M) – Play as Senua, a Celtic warrior who bravely travels to the depths of Norse hell on a quest to save the soul of her dead lover. You must overcome physical challenges and those presented by Senua’s mind.​ 
    • Celeste (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) – Follow the story of Madeline, a trans woman navigating the physical and emotional obstacles on her self-discovery quest to the top of Celeste Mountain. Written, designed, and directed by Maddy Thorson. ​ 
    • Rise of the Tomb Raider (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud, and Rated M) – Join one of the most classic video game heroines, Lara Croft, on her first tomb raiding expedition in a reimagined cinematic universe. Conquer a wild world of landscapes and configure Lara’s gear to suit your play style in this survival action adventure.​ 
    • Ravenlok (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) – Created by Vanessa Chia, escape into a fairytale adventure inspired by her nostalgia of growing up Malaysia. Fulfill your destiny as the young girl, Ravenlok, on a whimsical journey to defeat the Caterpillar queen. ​ 
    • Bluey (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) – Fun for the whole family, experience the joy and wonder of Bluey’s world in this interactive adventure game based on the iconic children’s TV series about two sisters. Play with friends and family in story mode and in free play, create your own scenes, collect items for your sticker book, and uncover hidden references in every location.  

    New Forza Horizon 5 Vinyl Decal for Women’s History Month 

    This year's Women's History Month-themed Xbox art, designed by Amika Cooper, shown as a decal in Forza Horizon 5

     This year’s Women’s History Month-themed Xbox art, designed by Amika Cooper, is now in Forza Horizon 5 as a vinyl: an in-game decal that you can use to customize any car. Show off this unique design on your car using #ForzaWHM on social media for a chance to be featured! 



    Artist Amika Cooper Reimagines the Xbox Logo in Celebration of Women who Bring Main Character Energy  

    Artist Amika Cooper wearing a green sweater and jeans reclining in a chair at a desk.

     For Women’s History Month, Xbox commissioned artist Amika Cooper, also known as blackpowerbarbie, to redesign the Xbox logo in celebration of women gamers and the way they define who gamers are by embracing main character energy. Amika used that inspiration to create an image of the Xbox sphere at the center of a lair, representing a safe place in gaming created by and celebrating the creativity of women.  In her words, “The logo is presented as a gem because I think the energy women bring to gaming makes us ‘diamonds in the rough’. I wanted it to be vibrant, stimulating, and fun – a lot of my work is creating my own surreal and fantastic landscapes, so I wanted to impart that sense of whimsy here.” 

    See more of Amika Cooper’s work on her website

    Xbox Ambassadors Features New Quests for Women’s History Month 

    White Xbox controller icon surrounded by white laurels over a blurred rainbow background​.

    We believe that every woman deserves recognition as a main character. For this Women’s History Month, we’ve connected with women from the Xbox Ambassadors community to put a spotlight on their experience as a woman in gaming. Read along on theXbox Ambassadors Community Blog.​ 

    Taking our celebration to the next level, we’re featuring a series of Quests, all month long, for Xbox Ambassadors to complete and unlock rewards. The Women’s History Month Quests feature games made by women creators and/or feature women as the main character. Join the fun and become an Xbox Ambassador today!  

    WHM Dynamic Background Available Now 

    Amika Cooper’s Women’s History Month Xbox Sphere is available today as a dynamic background on console – follow these steps to apply it: 

    • Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide. 
    • Select Profile & system > Settings > General > Personalization > My background > Dynamic backgrounds

    You can choose between Games, Xbox, or Abstract dynamic backgrounds. Choose the background art that you want with the A button. 

    It’s also available as an Xbox wallpaper to personalize your devices! 

    Website: LINK

  • Xbox and Gameheads are Amplifying Black Voices in Gaming

    Xbox and Gameheads are Amplifying Black Voices in Gaming

    Reading Time: 8 minutes

    Summary

    • Xbox partners with Gameheads to showcase Black-created games in recognition of Black History Month.
    • Explore a wide variety of games curated by Black communities at Microsoft.
    • This Black History Month, we’re sharing the importance of increased representation in gaming at Microsoft.

    Gaming is an incredible medium. It has the power to bring people from all walks of life together through the shared experience of play and common connection. I often enjoy mobile gaming as both a quick mini break in the day and a break in between commitments, and PC gaming for more immersive strategy and entertainment experiences. However, more than a medium for creating a fun escape or a way of connecting with friends, video games also have the potential to be an incredible platform to preserve our shared history and honor the stories of people of color in an engaging way that can disarm defenses and build empathy and understanding.

    As a corporate officer, a leader in the gaming space, and a woman of color, I am keenly aware that I stand on the shoulders of many trailblazers that came before me. Understanding this rich history as I navigate my day-to-day journey inspires me to pay forward the same mentorship and sponsorship to others that will someday blaze similar trails for those following them. In doing so, I hope this increases representation, further building upon an organization that represents the broad demographics of the gamers we serve.  

    Microsoft, Xbox, and gamers all benefit from increased representation on every level.

    Gamers from underrepresented communities will not only feel like their voices are heard, but have a greater opportunity to see themselves and their history in the characters they explore. As a more diverse population of employees and leaders assume a broader set of positions at all levels of the organization, employees from underrepresented groups will feel a greater sense of belonging and inclusion, such that they can bring their best and more authentic self to the workplace. Similarly, designing games that reflect the diversity of our world and incorporate authentic narratives based on our shared history can promote an understanding of different lived experiences and build unity through gaming. Overall, games are a powerful form of art and storytelling which can both preserve our rich history, especially those of people of color – and allow us to carry that into the future, as we look with hopeful expectation to a more inclusive world.


    Give


    Gameheads Logo with black text and a pixelated brain with multiple colors and the word “Gameheads”.

    Gameheads x Xbox Black History Games Showcase

    Gameheads helps to prepare student developers for a meaningful career in the games industry – this year we’re taking our partnership with them further than ever before. With our theme of “Louder,” we’re aiming to not only amplify these students’ stories, but to preserve them as well. The games we’re showcasing here are created by students and center around Black history, Black experiences, and Black talent. Xbox also provided a donation to Gameheads to support their commitment to diversifying the pipeline in the gaming industry and empowering the next generation of game developers. This partnership and campaign are a testament to a brighter and more inclusive future for the games industry.

    Learn more about these students, including how to play their games here.

    Gaming and Impact with Microsoft Rewards

    Microsoft Rewards members in the United States can earn and donate points to organizations supporting Black communities with Xbox. The organizations below will be featured on console throughout June:

    • Gameheads – A tech training program that uses video game design, development and DevOps to create diverse talent and bold new voices, train youth of color for the tech eco-system and prepare them for college, career and civic life. [US]
    • Cxmmunity – A nonprofit organization committed to increasing BIPOC representation within the gaming and esports industry through STEAM education and career development. [US]

    Xbox gamers can earn Rewards points in various ways, such as playing games and completing Game Pass Quests, and purchasing games and other eligible items at the Microsoft Store (exclusions apply). Earn points and redeem them for real rewards. Join us today and donate through Xbox. 


    Play


    Explore Games Curated by Black Communities at Microsoft

    A compilation image with game box art and the Xbox sphere stylized with bright patterned bursts for Black History Month.  The games are Redfall, ValiDate: Struggling Singles in Your Area, The Lamplighters’ League, Treachery in Beatdown City: Ultra Remix, and Halo: Infinite.

    Celebrate Black history through the power of play. During February and beyond, you can play a variety of game collections highlighting Black creators, lead characters, and character creation options that include a variety of skin tones and inclusive hairstyles.

    Available on the Microsoft Stores on Xbox and Windows, check out the Store’s community games collection that exists year-round as part of our ongoing work to create more inclusive gaming ecosystems and elevate content that resonates with communities. For Xbox Game Pass members, check out the Xbox Game Pass community collection on Xbox and the PC Game Pass community collection on Windows.

    A few highlights from these epic collections include:

    Redfall (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) – Voiced by Queen Noveen, Layla is a Black woman with telekinetic powers and one of the playable heroes in Arkane Austin’s most recent release, Redfall. Not only is she a powerful fighter, but Layla’s story has a fun twist – she can summon her vampire ex-boyfriend to help in battle.

    ValiDate: Struggling Singles in Your Area (Available on Console) – Veritable Joy Studios is dedicated to making games that place people of color and LGBTQIA+ characters front and center. With a story written by people of underrepresented backgrounds, their debut game, ValiDate: Struggling Singles in Your Area, features 13 playable millennials, including Black, trans, and non-binary characters.

    The Lamplighters’ League (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) – Recruit a team of misfits and chase the Banished Court to the ends of the earth in a character-driven story of adventure and intrigue. Playable character options include Lateef, a master of misdirection from Cairo, Egypt; Alexandrite, a Black woman who specializes as a glamour mage; and Judith, a Black engineer that acts as a powerful defensive tank.

    Treachery in Beatdown City: Ultra Remix (Available on Console) – Designed by Shawn Alexander Allen and programmed by Manuel Nico Marcano, this beat ’em up offers social commentary on racism through dialogue, action, humor, and brutal realism.

    Halo Infinite (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) – Led by studio head Pierre Hintze – the first Black studio head in Halo franchise history – 343 Industries continues to celebrate diversity in the Halo Universe and beyond. Hintze was also featured in Project Amplify, a video series showcasing Black voices across Xbox with the goal of educating and inspiring youth interested in careers in the gaming industry.

    New Forza Horizon 5 Black History Month Decals

    Cover art for Forza Horizon 5: a red Mercedes-AMG appears to drive through Mexican jungles and beaches.

    This year’s Black History Month-themed Xbox art, designed by Dominique Ramsey, is now in Forza Horizon 5 as a vinyl: an in-game decal that you can use to customize any car. Show off this unique design on your car using #ForzaBHM on Instagram, X, YouTube, and Twitch for a chance to be featured!

    Halo Infinite Celebrates Black History Month with Spartan Customizations

    Image of a Spartan in Halo Infinite in Black History Month custom armor coating and visor.

    Halo infinite is celebrating Black History Month with a brand-new suite of Spartan customizations! Players logging in during the month of February will gain access to a special armor coating, visor, emblem and nameplate.


    Discover


    Artist Dominique Ramsey Redesigns the Xbox Logo for Black History Month

    Portrait of artist Dominique Ramsey wearing a mint green tee shirt, large cross-shaped earrings, and a green pendant necklace.

    Xbox commissioned artist Dominque Ramsey to redesign the Xbox logo in recognition of amplifying Black stories. Her art is heavily inspired by Ethiopian and Nigerian textiles and folk art. She also looked to the Ghanian fabric, the “Kente cloth,” which is known for its bright, striking colors, with each carrying special meaning. Similarly, Dominique thoughtfully chose the palette for this design to spread a message of hope and unity. In her words, “This piece, with its varied colors and textures, highlights that Black people may look different from each other in many ways, but acceptance for our fellow community members sets a wonderful example for everyone around us.”

    Xbox Ambassadors Community Spotlight

    White Xbox controller icon with white laurels surrounding it layers over a blurred rainbow background.

    This Black History Month, we reached out to the Black community of Xbox Ambassadors to ask them about the importance of feeling seen and heard within the gaming industry, and tips for staying safe when gaming. Hear what they had to say below, and at the Xbox Ambassadors blog.

    selenadeonx poses in a hoodie and Xbox wireless headset, looking at the camera.

     “I have a checklist that I go over before each stream. I ensure materials with personally identifiable information are stored somewhere safe and away from my camera. My line of thinking is ‘If I can see it, you can see it.’ If [I have] apps [turned on that] create on-screen notifications, I turn those to ‘Do Not Disturb’… Being a woman online, especially a Black woman tends to have its stressors… I’ve learned that people tend to just do things to get a reaction from you. The best method is honestly not to engage with people like that. Block and report!” – selenadeon5x

    “Gaming has helped me connect to other Black gamers in meaningful ways. Having a community of people that have similar experiences and upbringings who can support and encourage each other.” – BLACKB0MBER

    BLACKB0MBER looks at the camera, wearing a black jacket and t-shirt.

    Xbox Community Designs Now Available as Dynamic Backgrounds 

    You asked, we made it happen! All our community artwork is now available as dynamic backgrounds on console. Dominique Ramsey’s Black History Month 2024 Xbox Sphere is available today – follow these steps to apply it:

    • Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
    • Select Profile & system > Settings > General > Personalisation > My background > Dynamic backgrounds.

    You can choose between Games, Xbox, or Abstract dynamic backgrounds. Choose the background art that you want with the A button.


    Join Team Xbox as we elevate Black voices and games in celebration of Black History Month!

    Website: LINK

  • Good Fortune & Good Adventuring Arrive in Forza Horizon 5 for Lunar New Year

    Good Fortune & Good Adventuring Arrive in Forza Horizon 5 for Lunar New Year

    Reading Time: 9 minutes

    “Amid the sound of firecrackers, a year has come to an end,” and what better way to welcome the good fortune that the new year brings than with a nice drive through the Horizon Festival’s new features. This celebration will not last two weeks, though; the Horizon Festival has four weeks of content to celebrate this new lunar cycle. Each of these weeks comes with a reward car featuring some of the greatest vehicles to ever come out of the Middle Kingdom! Take it a step further and purchase the Chinese Lucky Stars Car Pack which includes three cars destined for greatness made in China and a VW that stole the country’s heart. Your luck doesn’t end there; thirteen previous reward cars make their way back to the Festival as Autoshow cars are available from January 30. Another firecracker blast from the past sets in with the extended night cycle that makes a return for this series. Gather your family for an amazing, traditional dinner, and some laps around the Horizon Festival with the Lunar New Year Update!

    Release Notes & Game Fixes

    New Features:

    • 13 Previous Exclusive Reward cars added to the Autoshow

    • 9 Lunar New Year EventLab Props

    • 1 Lunar New Year Collector Accolade

    • Chinese Lucky Stars Pack becomes available for purchase

    • 5 new unlockable Festival Playlist Reward Cars

    • Limited Timed Series Features

    — Evolving World: Stadium Drift Arena

    — Evolving World: Dragon Drone Show

    — Evolving World: Fireworks collectible

    • 2 Badges: Feeling Lucky, Lunar Dragon

    • Returning Extended Nights

    Bug Fixes

    • Improved the audio for the 2008 Aston Martin DBS

    • Fixed issues that occurred while trying to redeem a car through the message center

    • Fixed issues with players getting kicked out of the Weekly Trial

    • Solved the issue causing “Tropical Storm” and “Dust Storm” not to show up in Photo Mode during Spring Season

    • Fixed cosmetic issues on the 1970 Fast X Dodge Charger, 1966 Fast X Chevrolet Impala, and the 2022 Gordon Murray T.50

    You can find a list of issues we are currently investigating here. The Troubleshooting Hub is always open for you to leave any reports you have.

    The Year of the Dragon is Here.

    People born on a Dragon year are said to be full of energy and drive; the Horizon Festival is no different of course!

    From tracks to props, dragons will flood the Festival to celebrate the Lunar New Year along with many other features to discover.

    Crouching Tiger, Drifting Dragon

    The Stadium twists and turns into a Drift Arena!

    Whatever path you decide to take on this track, be true to yourself. The Drift Arena’s curves and bends will have you using every ancient secret of drifting to go on a complete lap. Driving around certain areas of the raceway or near its corners will trigger a smoke effect. Hold your drift, don’t let it catch you off guard!

    Besides the myriad of tight corners, multiple red dragons dance through the course creating rings you can drive through. Keep exploring the Stadium and find the Fireworks Collectible hidden inside it.

    A Dragon watches over as you burn rubber in the tight corners and twists of the Drift Arena!

    Watch a Dragon Dance Done the Horizon Way.

    Once you are done burning rubber, the Drift Arena will be hosting a Drone Show at night during the four weeks of Lunar New Year starting on February 1.

    During daytime, drones will turn into traditional lanterns that will line up in the pattern of a dragon and prance along the sky as the drones do at night.

    Building Your Own Tradition.

    The spirit of Lunar New Year celebrates creativity with nine new props to use for your EventLab creations all with a season motif.

    Give your tracks an impressive guardian and unique look using the Lunar Dragon. Provide the community with a place to moon gaze including the Lunar Lookout on your creations.

    These are the nine props and decorations added in this new update:

    • Decoration

    — Lunar Dragon Head

    — Lunar Dragon Body

    — Lunar Dragon Tail

    • Ramps & Platforms

    — Lunar Lookout

    • Walls & Fences:

    — Lunar Barrier Gold

    — Lunar Barrier Red

    • Signs & Flags

    — Lunar Flag Gold

    — Lunar Flag Red

    Firework Box

    What’s in this Year’s Red Envelopes

    The biggest hitters that ever came out of China make an appearance at the Horizon Festival as Lunar New Year’s Reward Cars. Go deeper into Chinese automotive culture and history with the Chinese Lucky Stars Car Pack which will be available for purchase for USD $4.99 / GBP £3.99 / EU €4.99 On January 30

    To top it all off, the cars our community chose to return are finally in the Autoshow; snatch these ghosts from the past before they fade away!

    Returning Rewards in the Autoshow.

    It seems luck is in your favor this year, as the Autoshow will feature thirteen cars during these four weeks.

    The long-awaited returning reward cars are here. Our community picked ten previous reward-exclusive cars from a list of options to become available on the Autoshow, and they are finally here! Get those credits ready to grab the rewards you missed starting January 30.

    Make room in your garage for three Asian newcomers hitting the Festival’s Autoshow on Lunar New Year. From racing to family, these cars are waiting to be modified and turned into your favorite ride.

    10 Returning Cars (announced with Community Choice):

    • 1990 Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer

    • 2010 Aston Martin One-77

    • 2021 Lamborghini Sian Roadster

    • 2021 Rimac Nevera

    • 2010 Ferrari 599XX

    • 1971 Porsche #23 917/20

    • 1962 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso1990

    • 1967 Ferrari #24 Ferrari Spa 330 P4

    • 2018 Italdesign Zerouno

    • 1965 Peel Trident

    3 New Cars

    • 2019 Hyundai Veloster N

    • 2020 Xpeng P7

    • 2021 Lynk & Co 03

    Chinese Lucky Stars Car Pack

    Collect and drive four of China’s biggest golden stars!

    The latest Car Pack for Forza Horizon 5 includes 4 cars made locally and VW’s biggest hit in China. Take a deeper look at the vehicles featured in the Chinese Lucky Stars Car Pack.

    2022 Lynk & Co 05+

    Reading a plus sign at the end of a car’s name can only mean one thing: it’s time to ramp up the crazy.

    Adding 14 more horsepower and 29 lb-ft of torque, the 2022 Lynk & Co 05+ does exactly that, turning a regular SUV into a crossover vehicle with a need for the track.

    The Co 05+ has been fitted with a multi-link independent suspension system and a new body kit with wings and a front lip to improve downforce.

    Lynk & Co’s signature SUV has the power, styling, and gear to take over the Horizon Festival this series!

    2023 MG Cyberster

    The spiritual successor of MG’s TF is finally here with a dash of Chinese spice and three times to power to make the wait worthwhile.

    Enter the 2023 MG Cyberster, an electric convertible equipped with an all-wheel drive system and an engine capable of producing 536 bhp. This automotive fist of electronic fury can accelerate from 0-100 kmh in just 3.2 seconds, putting it right with the big hitters of the Festival.

    MG’s legacy combined with the best of Chinese engineering make the MG Cyberster one of your best choices for a light cruise or the harshest of races.

    2022 Wuling Hongguang Mini EV Macaron

    What is not to love about the 2022 Wuling Hongguang Mini EV Macaron? Agile body, lovely name (translates to sunshine in English), electrically- powered, a paintjob you can almost taste…this lovely macaron is a warrior of the concrete jungle!

    They say, “simplicity is the key to brilliance”, and this small vehicle is designed to deal with everyday urban challenges took it as its core. This practical little car is in the race to become number 1 in your heart.

    Turn this panda into the ultimate Dragon Warrior with a few customization tweaks and skadoosh around the Horizon Festival this series!

    2012 Volkswagen Santana

    The German wonder that stole China’s heart, the 2012 Volkswagen Santana is arriving to the Horizon Festival this series.

    Considered VW’s biggest hit on the Asian continent, the Santana was one of the first European cars affordable in China. This made it the first choice for taxis and government vehicles.

    Germany’s Chinese connection will provide you with a ton of charm, countless hours of fun, and (above all) a ton of customization opportunities. Snatch yours this series with our latest Car Pack.

    If you weren’t sure how to spend those red envelope earnings, this is your sign to get the Chinese Lucky Stars Car Pack for $4.99 USD available for purchase now.

    Festival Playlist

    Four weeks of great luck and rewards come in with Lunar New Year.

    This month’s reward cars feature Horizon newcomers from the Asian continent including Hyundai, Lynk & Co, and MG.

    Take a look at five amazing reward cars you will be able to unlock this series.

    2022 Hyundai Kona

    The first week of this Festival Playlist brings a crossover SUV from Korea, the turbocharged and freshly overhauled 2022 Hyundai Kona.

    The 2022 model received a very fitting makeover with its exterior being almost entirely a new design with more sportive lines and finishes. To wrap up the changes and upgrades, the Kona was fitted with a 195-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

    Whether you want to turn the Kona into an off-roading legend or have it perform at its best on the road, you will be able to unlock and modify it to your pleasing for 20 PTS on the first week of the Festival Playlist.

    2022 Hyundai IONIQ 6

    The performance model in Hyundai’s line of electric vehicles will reach the Horizon Festival as a Series Reward for Lunar New Year.

    The 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 6 is an EV with an aerodynamic look and function that not only makes it run more efficiently, but it also allows it to perform like a sports saloon on the track. The IONIQ 6 can take off from standstill to 100 kmh in just 5.1 seconds.

    An electric car that screams performance with its flaps, aerodynamic mirrors, and wheel gap reducers, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 is a great pick for those looking to use less gas and still be fast.

    2022 Lynk & Co 02 HB

    Yes, you guessed right: HB stands for hatchback, which is another word for “I’m going to have so much fun in this car”.

    The 2022 Lynk & Co 02 HB is the Chinese company’s shot at giving the world a hot hatch they can Phoenix dance in. This model is equipped with the Volvo Drive-E 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that we have seen in the Swedish company’s S60, XC70, and V70.

    To put their own spin to it, the 02 comes with an overpower option that boosts its torque from 350 Nm to 380 Nm, and let’s this small powerhouse dash from 0 to 100 in 6.2 seconds.

    Drift Arena and a hot hatch, need we say more?

    2020 Hyundai i30N

    More power, more responsiveness, and a sportier body kit; the 2020 Hyundai i30N is getting front of line to become your favorite hatchback to drive around the Horizon Festival.

    A 2.0 – liter, 4-cylinder turbo engine capable of producing 353 Nm of torque along with its brand-new 8-speed dual clutch transmission makes this car worthy of an invitation to the hot hatch party that takes place every day at the Festival.

    Not straying too far away from its five-door rivals, the i30N can hit a top speed of 250 kmh and reach 100 from nothing in 6.1 seconds.

    If not for all the fun a stock hatchback can bring, unlock this car for 20 PTS on the third week of Lunar New Year and see what kinds of sauce you can add with your own customization.

    2023 MG MG7

    Another one of MG’s staples makes a revamped comeback in the 2023 MG MG7. This new version of a classic comes with a design that puts together luxury and sportive performance.

    The new MG7 is geared with a 2.0-liter turbo engine capable of putting out 257 hp and producing 405 Nm of torque, catering to fans of speed; and packs it up inside a stylish outside design.

    The return of the MG should be celebrated along with the New Year, and we do not know a better way to do this than taking it to the track and scoring some fast times.

    What’s next

    We travel back to Across the Atlantic in European Automotive.

    New reward cars from the greatest car makers on the planet along with a brand-new Car Pack to drive and collect.

    Along with new props and badges, this new update will bring every class to Rally Adventure Rivals!

    Website: LINK

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