Tokyo Game Show 2025: Biggest Announcements and Surprises

🗓️ September 26, 2025, By ✍️ Karly Wood

When Tokyo Game Show 2025 kicked off its Xbox spotlight, gamers worldwide tuned in to catch major reveals—and the standout moment was undoubtedly the announcement of Forza Horizon 6. Microsoft and Playground Games delivered a trailer drop that confirmed the next entry would finally take players to Japan, a location long demanded by fans.

Forza Horizon 6 Japan: The Big Reveal

At TGS, the studio debuted a cinematic teaser that leaned heavily into Japanese aesthetics—dark neon cityscapes, Mount Fuji, cherry blossoms, and license plate Easter eggs tied to past Horizon locales. The teaser didn’t show gameplay, but the messaging was clear: Forza Horizon 6 Japan is coming.

The reveal was framed as part of Microsoft’s broader TGS showcase, during which Forza’s return served as a high-profile close to the broadcast.

[English – 4K] Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2025 Broadcast

YouTube video

What We Learned: Release & Platform Details

Here’s what we now know (and what’s still uncertain):

  • Launch Window: 2026 for Xbox Series X|S and PC.
  • PlayStation 5 Version: Confirmed post-launch, meaning it won’t be simultaneous.
  • Game Pass / Launch Day Access: The game will be part of Game Pass (Ultimate / PC) from day one.

The scenic ambition is also clear: the map will combine dense urban areas (Tokyo) with rural and mountainous terrain, giving a “contrasting Japan” feel.

Other Top Announcements at TGS 2025

While Forza Horizon 6 was the headline, the Xbox showcase at Tokyo Game Show included:

  • Updates to other Xbox Game Studio projects and regional games.
  • Announcements of additions to Game Pass tied to Asian titles and Japan-inspired content.
  • First glimpses of hardware and display features on the show floor.

A roundup on PureXbox lists reveals like Gungrave GORE, updates for Microsoft Flight Simulator, and more.

Why the Japan Setting Matters

Japan has been at the top of fan wishlists for Horizon entries ever since the franchise began. The decision to build Forza Horizon 6 in Japan is a major affirmation of fan voice and sets big expectations.

The visual contrast—city skylines, mountain roads, coastal routes—is expected to push the series’ trend of variety even further. Also, the cultural depth (cars, street fashion, automotive heritage) gives the devs rich territory to play in.

What We’re Waiting For

  • Gameplay Trailer: We expect to see real gameplay (not just cinematics) in early 2026.
  • Car Roster & Features: Which brands, how many vehicles, what features (drift, weather, seasons).
  • Map & Scale: How large the world will be, and how faithfully it represents Japanese geography.
  • Multiplayer / Online Modes: The social side of Horizon is as important as the solo racing.

Bottom Line

Tokyo Game Show 2025 made it official: Forza Horizon 6 will bring the series to Japan. The teaser may have kept gameplay under wraps, but the promise of Forza Horizon 6 Japan is huge. As we look ahead to its 2026 launch, fans are already dreaming up the roads they’ll race, the cars they’ll drive, and the cities they’ll explore.

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Karly Wood
Karly Wood

Karly Wood is a journalist based in Ohio who specializes in covering Apple and technology trends. With a varied experience in reporting on public safety, government, and education, her insights bridge multiple disciplines, providing readers with a well-rounded perspective on today's technological advancements. If you need to contact me, you can reach me at karlywood.ohio@gmail.com or through (Facebook)

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