Forza Horizon 6: Japan setting, cars and culture — May 19

• Forza Horizon 6 launches on May 19 and is set in Japan, Playground Games says.
• A large Developer_Direct interview digs into the country, culture and the cars that will appear.
• Playground Games frames the release around authentic Japanese locations and automotive culture.
• The Developer_Direct promises deeper context on roads, environments and the car roster ahead of launch.

What Playground Games revealed

Playground Games confirmed Forza Horizon 6 will arrive on May 19 and will take players to a Japan-themed Horizon Festival. The studio used a large Developer_Direct interview to outline the game's focus on country, culture and cars.

Country: Japan as a playground

The Developer_Direct emphasizes Japan as more than a backdrop — it’s presented as a playable country with distinct regions, from cityscapes to rural routes. Playground Games says the map will highlight varied driving environments associated with the country.

Culture: Japanese scenes and influences

Playground Games told viewers the team explored Japanese culture to inform event design, visuals and atmosphere. The Developer_Direct aims to give context for the in‑game festivals, activities and locations so they feel rooted in local culture.

Cars: a roster tied to place

The interview covers the cars players can expect and how they connect to Japan’s automotive history and street culture. Playground Games framed the car selection as an extension of the setting — from everyday machines to bespoke builds tied to regional tastes.

Why this matters

Setting Forza Horizon 6 in Japan shapes the game’s visual identity, driving variety and community activities. The Developer_Direct is Playground Games’ attempt to show how culture and place influence game design before launch.

What to watch for before May 19

Expect more Developer_Direct follow-ups, showcases that spotlight specific cars and locations, and deeper looks at multiplayer and festival features as release approaches. Playground Games’ interview is the first major briefing ahead of launch.

With less than a month to go, Forza Horizon 6’s Japan setting is positioned as the headline: a combination of landscape, cultural detail and a car list that aims to make the next Horizon Festival feel distinct.