Early upload mistake exposes game on piracy sites ahead of official release.
Forza Horizon 6’s files were inadvertently released unencrypted on Steam, leading to early availability on piracy sites. This incident occurred just days before the official launch, raising concerns among game developers about security practices.
Microsoft has been hit by similar issues in the past, such as with Death Stranding 2 and Hitman 2. These leaks can severely impact revenue, especially when games are available for pre-order on multiple platforms.
For builders and operators, this incident highlights the need for rigorous pre-launch testing and robust security measures to protect game files from early exposure. Developers must ensure all stages of development and distribution are thoroughly vetted to prevent such leaks.
Microsoft is scheduled to officially release Forza Horizon 6 on May 19, with a Premium Edition available earlier. The company will likely face scrutiny over this mistake and take steps to improve its security protocols moving forward.
What matters
- Microsoft mistakenly uploaded unencrypted Forza Horizon 6 files to Steam.
- Lack of proper security could result in significant revenue loss.
- Game developers and publishers must tighten pre-launch processes.
Why it matters
Game developers and publishers must tighten pre-launch processes.
This GenAI News article was prepared in original wording using reporting and materials published by Ars Technica. Source reference: https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2026/05/pirates-are-already-playing-forza-horizon-6-days-before-its-launch/.
Drafted by the GenAI News review pipeline.