Forza Horizon 6 has given gamers a glimpse of what Xbox could have been, according to a reader who believes the game showcases Microsoft's missed potential. The reader, writing for GameCentral, describes the game as easily their favorite of the year and notes its high Metacritic score. They played on PC and argue that no other Xbox game since the Xbox 360 era has reached such quality.
A Game of the Moment
The reader emphasizes that Forza Horizon 6 feels exciting and culturally relevant, with widespread acclaim regardless of genre preference. They highlight that sales have reached 5 million, well above typical Xbox titles, underscoring its special status.
The Root of Xbox's Problems
The reader traces Xbox's decline to the Kinect era, which they believe cut short the Xbox 360's momentum and allowed PlayStation 3 to overtake. They criticize Microsoft for neglecting first-party developers, shutting down studios, and letting talent like Bungie leave. Overconfidence after the Xbox 360's success led to a lack of sustained investment.
Now, the reader argues, trust in Xbox hardware is irreparably damaged. Forza Horizon 6 would have been a system seller a decade ago, but today it merely reminds players to buy it on PC or PlayStation 5. The franchise is mainstream-friendly, unlike titles such as The Outer Worlds, while Halo and Gears of War feel outdated. Even the upcoming Fable, from the same developer, seems unlikely to change Xbox's trajectory.
A Third-Party Future
The reader concludes that Xbox should accept its role as a third-party publisher rather than pretending to revive exclusives. The chance to rival PlayStation passed long ago, and Forza Horizon 6's success only makes the lost potential more poignant. They call for Microsoft to stop chasing shortcuts and acknowledge the reality of the current market.
