Forza Horizon 6 Early Access Price Hike

The highly anticipated racing title Forza Horizon 6 is implementing a substantial price increase for early access, affecting subscribers who previously enjoyed day-one releases through Game Pass.

Microsoft's decision to charge $60 for early access represents a significant shift in how the company values its most dedicated player base, particularly those already paying for premium subscription services.

Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will need to spend $60 to play the latest entry in the racing series several days before its official launch. This fee applies even to players who already pay for Microsoft's premium subscription service, which typically includes day-one access to first-party titles.

The pricing structure marks a departure from previous Forza Horizon releases, where early access was often bundled with standard editions or offered at lower price points. The $60 charge specifically targets the early access window, creating a new revenue stream from the most enthusiastic fans.

Key aspects of the pricing strategy include:

• Fee applies to Game Pass Ultimate subscribers
• Early access period begins several days before launch
• Separate from standard Game Pass benefits
• Represents industry-wide trend toward premium early access

The decision specifically targets Forza Horizon's most dedicated community members—players who subscribe to Game Pass Ultimate specifically for day-one access to Microsoft's gaming portfolio. These subscribers already pay a premium monthly fee for the service.

This pricing approach creates a two-tier system within the subscriber base, where access timing becomes a paid privilege rather than a subscription benefit. The move reflects how publishers are increasingly monetizing anticipation and the desire to play new releases immediately.

The fee specifically targets the most enthusiastic fans who subscribe to Microsoft's premium gaming service.

For long-time series fans, this represents a shift in how value is extracted from the most engaged player segments. The $60 early access tax essentially charges a premium for what was previously included in their subscription package.

The Forza Horizon 6 pricing strategy aligns with broader industry movements toward early access monetization. Publishers increasingly view the pre-launch period as a distinct revenue opportunity, separate from the standard game price.

This trend has accelerated as digital distribution has made staggered releases easier to implement. Companies can now offer tiered access levels, creating multiple price points for the same content based on timing rather than content quantity.

Industry patterns show:

• Early access becoming a standard paid feature
• Subscription services adding premium tiers
• Launch dates becoming flexible pricing windows
• Loyal fans facing higher costs for immediate access

The $60 price point specifically positions early access as a luxury feature rather than a standard inclusion, potentially reshaping expectations for future game launches across the industry.

Players considering Forza Horizon 6 now face a new calculation: whether the early access period justifies an additional $60 on top of their existing Game Pass Ultimate subscription. This decision affects the core audience most excited about the game's release.

The pricing creates a clear value proposition challenge for subscribers who previously viewed early access as a subscription benefit. Now, the same feature carries a substantial additional cost that must be evaluated against other entertainment spending.

For the racing community, this represents a moment of decision about how much they value playing Forza Horizon 6 days before the general public. The $60 fee essentially puts a price tag on that anticipation and exclusivity.

The Forza Horizon 6 early access pricing signals a potential new normal for premium gaming experiences. As publishers continue exploring revenue models, the line between subscription benefits and additional fees may continue to blur.

For Microsoft and the Forza Horizon franchise, this strategy tests whether dedicated fans are willing to pay a premium for early access to one of racing gaming's most popular series. The success or failure of this approach will likely influence similar decisions across the industry.

Ultimately, the $60 early access tax represents more than just a price increase—it reflects how the gaming industry continues to evolve its relationship with the most passionate and financially committed members of its community.