Forza Horizon 6 has leaked ahead of its launch next week, and developers PlayGround Games are ready to hand out lifetime bans.
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Over the weekend it was reported that an unencrypted version of Forza Horizon 6 was uploaded early to gaming marketplace Steam. Before the mistake was corrected, the full game was allegedly downloaded and appeared on pirate sites shortly afterwards. Some players have also been streaming themselves playing the racing game early.
PlayGround Games has now acknowledged the leak. “We are aware of reports that a build of Forza Horizon 6 has been obtained prior to its release and can confirm this is not the result of a pre-load issue,” they wrote in a statement on social media, denying that they were responsible for the leak.
“We are taking strict enforcement action against any individuals found accessing this build including franchise-wide and hardware bans,” they added. “We encourage fans to sit tight for the game’s release on May 19.”
We are aware of reports that a build of Forza Horizon 6 has been obtained prior to its release and can confirm this is not the result of a pre-load issue.
We are taking strict enforcement action against any individuals found accessing this build including franchise-wide and…
— Playground Games (@WeArePlayground) May 11, 2026
However, PlayGround Games is facing backlash for the decision. “Guess that’s the last time I’ll ever give the Forza franchise money then. I’ve been paying full price for your game’s since Forza Motorsport 1. What I choose to download and access is my decision. You’ll franchise ban me for your mistake? Go fuck yourself,” wrote one X user.
“Imagine [treating] your audience as if we’re kindergarten kids with no brains. Stop your embarrassing PR and just be honest – you uploaded an unencrypted release to Steam and made mistakes,” said another. “Why are you punishing the community when it was a fuck up on your behalf,” asked one fan.
Forza Horizon 6 launches May 19 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC, though an early access period will begin May 15 for those who’ve pre-ordered the deluxe edition of the game.
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