Forza Horizon 6's unencrypted leak 'is not a result of a pre-load issue' and warns any users downloading the build with 'franchise-wide and hardware bans'

Date:
Tue, 12 May 2026 11:45:34 +0000

Description:
Playground Games has officially warned players to avoid the Forza Horizon 6 leak, or face a literal lifetime consequence.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Forza Horizon 6's unencrypted build has leaked, but the developer confirms it's not due to a pre-load issue Playground Games has warned it will hand out 'franchise-wide and hardware bans' to anyone accessing the build SteamDB claims the leak likely came from
a reviewer or someone with early access Forza Horizon 6 's launch on Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , and PC is imminent, set for May 19, however, an early build has been leaked on PC. Pirates, though, may want to rethink downloading it.

As reported by GamesRadar , Playground Games confirmed that an unencrypted build of Forza Horizon 6 was leaked, but it wasn't the result of a Steam pre-load issue, and notably, the developer has also warned PC users to avoid downloading and playing the build, or face major consequences. It's the
second triple-A game in 2026 to suffer a full game leak before the scheduled release date, as Death Stranding 2: On the Beach was available to PC players to pirate two days before its March 20 launch. Latest Videos From You may
like Forza Horizon 6's mini rendition of Tokyo is the most beautiful and detailed urban environment in the series so far Game spoilers are ruining everything, so delay physical releases now Forza Horizon 6 might be getting a limited edition Xbox wireless controller and headset, according to reliable leaker

Playground Games' case is significantly worse, as Forza Horizon 6 's build
has been made available a week before launch, and unsurprisingly, it has ruffled the feathers of the developer.

"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," Playground Games stated, squashing rumors and suggestions that the issue was indeed due to a Steam error. (Image credit: Xbox Game Studios) "We are taking strict enforcement action against any individuals found accessing this build, including franchise-wide and hardware bans. We encourage fans to sit tight for the game's release on May 19."

SteamDB also weighed in on the matter, insinuating the leak likely stemmed from a reviewer with early access, adding credence to the dev's statement
that the leak didn't come from a Steam error. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Playground Games' frustrations shouldn't come as a surprise, since
downloading and playing the early build of Forza Horizon 6 would be
considered piracy, and it's effectively an entire week of early access that isn't permitted. (Image credit: Xbox Game Studios / Playground Games) Consumers who have pre-ordered the game have called for the developer to push the game's release forward, but the statements made suggest it's going to
bide its time and believes players should be patient for the scheduled
launch.

The chaos arrives at a time when piracy is gradually gaining momentum again, as Denuvo, the controversial DRM, has been bypassed in several games (some
via Hypervisor bypasses).

Fans can only hope that a major hiccup like this doesn't push developers and publishers to introduce more CPU-intensive DRMs in the future to prevent piracy, ones that may impact game performance, because that will only hurt consumers. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source
to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/gaming/pc-gaming/forza-horizon-6s-unencrypted-leak-i s-not-a-result-of-a-pre-load-issue-and-warns-any-users-downloading-the-build-w ith-franchise-wide-and-hardware-bans


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