Forza Horizon 5, which was initially released in 2021 for Xbox and PC, is set to launch on PlayStation 5 in April 2025. However, Xbox is promoting a 'Premium Edition' priced at $100, allowing players to access the game a few days earlier than the standard release. This practice reflects a troubling trend among publishers who monetize early access, drawing criticism for being exploitative. Critics argue that this model, which did not exist when the game was first released, undermines the notion of fair access in the gaming industry. Players can currently play the game on Xbox or stream it via Game Pass Ultimate without these additional costs.
The trend of charging players for early access to games, as seen with Forza Horizon 5's $100 Premium Edition for PS5, highlights a shift in publisher practices.
As PlayStation 5 users can access Forza Horizon 5 early with a Premium Edition purchase, it raises questions about the growing trend of making players pay for early game access.
The decision to charge for early access signifies a troubling shift in the gaming industry, where previously established norms of equal access are increasingly being undermined.
We are at a point where players are being asked to pay extra for experiences they could have enjoyed for no additional cost just a few years ago.
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