Tag: Playground Games

  • AFK Farming in Forza Horizon 6 Risks Credit Reset

    Key Takeaway

    – Playground Games reset accounts to 10,000 credits for using the Auto Drive AFK farming method in Forza Horizon 6.
    – The studio considers Auto Drive credit farming an exploit, not an intended feature.
    – Players are frustrated by the lack of clear communication, learning about the rule change only through support tickets.
    – The community is divided: some see the rollback as fair, others argue Auto Drive is an official feature players should control.
    – Until Playground clarifies further, players should avoid relying on Auto Drive for credit farming.


    Exploit Fallout Strikes Forza Horizon 6 Autodrive Users

    Just yesterday, we reported on an exploit related to Eliminator mode in Forza Horizon 6 (here in Notebookcheck’s benchmark test) that allowed players to earn hundreds of millions of credits in a very short time. Playground Games has since disabled matchmaking for the mode and reset the accounts of players who used the exploit to 10,000 credits. However, players who earned credits through another shortcut may also be affected: the AFK method.

    The Autodrive Method and Its Unclear Status

    With this method, players use the Auto Drive feature in FH6 to complete races with virtually no input of they’re own. Long Rivals tracks are particularly well suited for this. Auto Drive takes over the driving, while players ideally only have to make sure the race keeps running. Repeating this over a longer period of time can generate large amounts of credits without the player actively sitting at the controller or keyboard. Until now, it was not entirely clear whether Playground considered this an clever trick or an exploit. Apparently, the latter is more likely.

    Community Backlash and Mixed Reactions

    At least that is what an recent Reddit thread suggests. There, a user shares the support team’s response after asking about a credit rollback. In the support ticket, Playground Games first explains that Eliminator mode was temporarily disabled and credits were reset after the credit exploit was discovered. The final paragraph states that Playground also identified players who had “used an exploit related to the Auto Drive feature to farm large amounts of credits.” The same rollback to 10,000 credits was applied to these accounts.

    Players Split Over Fairness of the Reset

    Opinions in the community are mixed. Some players consider the rollback understandable, since Auto Drive is clearly not intended for hours of credit farming. Critics, however, point out that this is an official feature of Forza Horizon 6 (Xbox version available on Amazon for around $67) – and that players should be able to decide for themselfs how to use it. The lack of communication is causing particular frustration: many only learned through support tickets that AFK farming is also considered an exploit.

    It should be noted, however, that it cannot be clearly verified whether the ticket actually came from Playground – or under what conditions Playground applies the rollback to users of the Auto Drive feature. Several FH6 players in the Reddit thread also claim to have lost credits after using AFK farming. It may make earning credits more relaxed, but races in Auto Drive mode still require some effort and attention – and right now, players should think twice before investing either.

    Final Thoughts on the Forza Horizon 6 Farming Crackdown

    • Eliminator exploit and autodrive farming both result in 10,000 credit resets.
    • Playground has disabled matchmaking for the Eliminator mode temporarily.
    • Community is divided on weather autodrive farming should be considered a exploit.
    • Players are frustrated by the lack of official communication about the rollback policy.

    Reddit

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  • Forza Horizon 6 Drifting: Absurd Score Trick for Frustrated Players

    Key Takeaway

    – Drift Zones can be easily exploited by doing donuts in one spot to rack up points.
    – The exploit has a mixed community reaction: some see it as a useful shortcut, while others feel it undermines challenge and leaderboard integrity.
    – Playground Games will likely patch out the donut trick soon.
    – A potential fix would end drift scores if a vehicle circles in a tight space for too long.


    Drift Zones are among the more challenging activities in Forza Horizon 6 (here in Notebookcheck’s benchmark test). Normally, players need to maintain controlled drifts across the entire course to achieve high scores. However, as one Reddit user discovered, there is a much easier way to collect points: find a spot with enough space, start doing donuts and watch the score climb. As shown in a video on Reddit, the player simply drifts in circles and easily racks up more than 250,000 points.

    Community Reactions Are Mixed

    The exploit has received a mixed response from the community. Players frustrated by Drift Zones see it as a useful shortcut to the coveted 3-star rating. Since Playground Games is unlikely to have intended this method for completing Drift Zones in FH6, the exploit will probably be patched out sooner or later – and some players would welcome that. In their view, the donut trick undermines the challenge and also weakens the value of the leaderboards.

    Potential Fixes and Insider Tips

    One possible solution would be to make drift scores end sooner if a vehicle circles in a tight space for too long or barely follows the actual route. Players would then once again have to master Drift Zones through skill. Even then, however, success should still be possible with the right car and a bit of tuning. The Honda Acty is currently considered an insider tip in the community for successful drifting in Forza Horizon 6.

    • The exploit involves doing donuts in a single spot to rack up points.
    • Many players think Playground Games should patch out this cheat.
    • Using a tuned Honda Acty is recomended for legitamate high scores.
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  • Forza Horizon 6: Deleted Saves? Fix & Prevention Guide

    Key Takeaway

    – Lost save data reported for both PC and Xbox, with some players losing over 100 hours of progress.
    – No official explanation yet; Xbox Quick Resume and faulty cloud sync are suspected triggers.
    – Precautionary measures compiled by the community may reduce risk until a patch is released.


    Reports of lost save data are piling up on Reddit and in the official Forza forums

    Some players say they have lost more than 100 hours of progress, with both PC and Xbox users apparently effected. So far, however, no clear pattern has emerged. Some affected players report that there profile was suddenly reset to its default state after launching the game. Others say there save data disappeared after a crash or failed cloud synchronization.

    Developers Have Not Yet Provided an Official Explanation

    In the community, however, several possible triggers are being discussed. One prime suspect is Xbox Quick Resume, a feature that lets players suspend a game and resume it from the same point after restarting the console. Some players suspect that resuming a previously paused session could cause issues with cloud save synchronization. On PC, faulty cloud synchronization via the Xbox app is also being discussed as a possible cause. Their are also reports that certain vehicles may be linked to the problem.

    Community Compiled Precautionary Measures

    As PC Gamer reports, the community has already compiled a list of precautionary measures that may help reduce the risk of losing save data in Forza Horizon 6 (covered here in Notebookcheck’s benchmark test). The recommended measures include:

    • Manually backing up your save file regularly.
    • Disabling Xbox Quick Resume for Forza Horizon 6.
    • Ensuring a stable internet connection to avoid cloud sync errors.
    • Quitting the game completely before turning off the console or PC.

    Issue Attracting Increasing Attention

    The issue is currently attracting increasing attention and has already been picked up by Dexerto on X, among others. It should only be a matter of time before Playground Games identifies the cause and releases a corresponding patch. Until then, FH6 players (Xbox version currently around $70 on Amazon) are well advised to follow the precautionary measures listed above.

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  • Forza Horizon 6 Reckless Ramming Bounty: Players Want Ghosting

    Key Takeaway

    – Deliberate ramming by players to gain positions is a growing source of frustration in the Forza Horizon 6 community.
    – Many players are calling for stricter ghosting systems that automatically make offending vehicles non-collidable.
    – Stricter ghosting is controversial, as some fear it could make races feel sterile and reduce tension.
    – An alternative solution is behavior-based matchmaking, grouping aggressive drivers together and fair racers separately.


    Forza Horizon 6 has been well recieved by racing fans so far

    But the behavior of some online players is proving far less popular. On Reddit, user u/cmccloud59 shared a video showing an opponent deliberately ramming him shortly before an overtaking attempt, causing him to lose control and crash into the barriers. He jokingly wrote: “I would like to put a bounty on this guy.” The supposed offense: “Being a bad loser / unfair ramming.” The user even named the player involved, while making it clear that no actual money was on offer.

    The community largely agrees that while Forza Horizon 6 is not a hardcore racing simulator

    Players should not be rewarded for intentionally crashing into others to gain positions. One commenter even noted that the driver from the video currently tops the Spec Racing leaderboard, suggesting that the tactic may be working. Many players see stricter ghosting as the obvious solution. Such a system would automatically detect unsportsmanlike driving and temporarily make the offending vehicle transparent and non-collidable, preventing deliberate ramming attempts from having an effect. Forza Horizon 6 (Xbox version currently available on Amazon for around $70) already uses ghosting in certain situations, such as race starts or imminent high-speed collisions, but many fans want the system to intervene more consistently.

    However, stricter ghosting is not without controversy

    Some players fear that too much automation could make races feel sterile. If cars become transparent in every critical situation, some of the tension that makes close duels exciting could be lost. Another suggested solution is behavior-based matchmaking. Instead of placing all players in the same pool, Playground Games could identify particularly aggressive drivers based on their conduct and match them against each other more often. Clean racers would then be more likely to share lobbies with other fair players, while habitual rammers would end up in their own virtual bumper-car arena. Whether stricter ghosting, smarter matchmaking or a mix of both would be the best answer remains open.

     

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  • Forza Horizon 6 Car Meets: Why They Feel So Empty

    Forza Horizon 6 Car Meets: Why They Feel So Empty

    Key Takeaway

    – Car Meets often feel deserted due to server visibility limits, showing only a handful of players per instance.
    – The design lacks incentives, with most players only visiting for festival tasks or achievements.
    – The community wants rewards (XP, credits, Wheelspins) and voting features to boost engagement.
    – Positive experiences exist (organized convoys, spontaneous gatherings), but these are exceptions.
    – Playground Games has not yet addressed whether it will improve the feature.


    Car Meets in Forza Horizon 6: A Feature That Feels Empty

    Many players had been especially looking forward to the new Car Meets before Forza Horizon 6 launched. In practice, they are community meeting points in the open world where players can show off their vehicles, inspect cars and spontaneously interact with others. At the moment, however, Car Meets often feel deserted – even though FH6 sees more than 100,000 daily players on Steam, according to SteamDB.

    Reddit Calls It ‘Sad’

    In a Reddit thread simply titled “This is sad,” the community is currently discussing possible reasons. The image in the thread shows just two vehicles in the parking lot – one of them belonging to the player who posted it. Many other users say they have also found Car Meets completely empty on multiple occasions. The issue is seen less as a lack of interest and more as a flaw in the feature’s design.

    Server Limits or Design Flaws?

    Several Redditors point out that server or visibility limits apparently allow only a small number of drivers to be shown at once. Exactly how many players can be placed in a single instance remains unclear. Still, users argue that a meet with twelve parking spaces will almost never feel full if only a handful of players are visible per instance.

    No Rewards, No Fun

    Another point of criticism is the lack of incentives. Many FH6 players apparently visit the meeting points only for festival tasks or achievements. As additional motivation, the community suggests voting on the best-looking vehicles or offering XP, credits and Wheelspin rewards for participants.

    But Some Players Love It Anyway

    Despite the criticism, there are also positive experiences with Car Meets in FH6. Some players report spontaneous gatherings with several vehicles or organized convoys that actually bring the meeting points to life. For now, however, such moments seem to be the exception rather than the rule. The basic idea appears to work, but it still needs further development. Whether Playground Games will respond to the criticism remains to be seen.

    Sources
  • Xbox Delays Fable Release Amid GTA VI and Bigger Games

    Xbox Delays Fable Release Amid GTA VI and Bigger Games

    Key Takeaway

    – Fable’s release delayed from Autumn 2026 to February 2027.
    – Reason: To avoid competition with other major 2026 titles.
    – New details will be revealed at the Xbox Games Showcase on June 7.
    – Fable is an open-world action-RPG reboot, not a direct sequel.
    – Will launch on Xbox Series S|X, PC, Steam, and PS5.


    Fable Release Date Delayed

    Xbox is working on a new Fable game that’s being developed by Playground Games. The new title was originally scheduled to be released in Autumn 2026 (between September and November), but an announcement by Xbox has revealed that will no longer be happening, and it’s been moved back abit.

    Reason for the Postponement

    According to a post on X by the official Xbox account, Fable will no longer be released in 2026. The reason provided for the postponement is beacuse of the lineup of major titles that are set to be released later this year such as Halo: Campaign Evolved, Gears of War: E-Day, Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4, Control Resonant, Star Wars: Galactic Racer, and Grand Theft Auto VI. These games where allready taking up alot of attention.

    New Launch Window Revealed

    Xbox says that it has moved the release of Fable to February 2027, so that the game “can have the dedicated moment it deserves”. The announcement also mentions that new details of the game will be revealed at the Xbox Games Showcase on June 7, so stay tuned for that event.

    What Is Fable?

    Fable is an open world action-RPG, and while it will be the fourth game in the series, it is a reboot of the franchise. The original trilogy was developed by the now-defunct British game developer, Lionhead Studios, which was closed down in April 2016. Playground Games is now handling the development of this new entry.

    Platforms and Availability

    Xbox has confirmed that Fable will be released on the Xbox Series S|X, PC, Steam, and PS5. There’s no confirmation yet that it will be released on the Nintendo Switch 2. Pricing details havent been announced yet for the game either at this time.

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  • Forza Horizon 6: Silent Hill Creator Praises Realism in Japan Players

    Forza Horizon 6: Silent Hill Creator Praises Realism in Japan Players

    Key Takeaway

    – The Forza Horizon 6 recreation of Japan is so convincing that players struggle to distinguish game visuals from real-world locations, especially in central Tokyo and rural landscapes.
    – Experts note the map’s design uses fragmented visual language inspired by real Japanese landscapes and Kevin Lynch’s urban design theory to create recognizable paths, edges, districts, nodes, and landmarks.
    – Specific details highlighted include steep mountain roads, railway overpasses, flowing rivers, expansive parking lots for JDM meetups, chamfered buildings and pedestrian bridges, and iconic sights like Mount Fuji and Tokyo Tower.


    The article begins with an exciting note about Forza Horizon 6 releasing on May 19, 2026, and how players worldwide, especially in Japan, are enjoying the virtual Horizon Festival in a land that feels eerily real. This opening section also mentions Keiichiro Toyama, known for Silent Hill, Slitter-Head, and the Siren series, who reportedly logged serious hours after being impressed by the game’s ethereal presentation.

    Reaction in Japan

    In central Tokyo, Toyama’s reaction turned to astonishment as he stepped from the highways and neon into the heart of the real world, posting on social media with a playful comparison: “I was like, ‘Whoa, it’s Forza Horizon 6 in real life lol!’” The narrative emphasizes the uncanny fidelity of the map and how the lines between digital and real begin to blur for Japanese players who daily traverse these streets.

    Visual fidelity and design

    The piece then highlights how the game’s visuals—fidelity, geometry, ambient lighting, and shaders—have become so convincing that gazing at real-life locations feels like stepping into the game. The atmosphere blends the digital and physical in ways that readers can sense, drawing comparisons between the fidelity of a video game world and everyday urban and rural scenes in Japan.

    • Architect Yuta Horie’s analysis of how the map uses fragments of visual language tied to Japanese subconscious cues.
    • Reference to Kevin Lynch’s urban design theory, particularly the concepts of paths, edges, districts, nodes, landmarks, and landscapes.

    Horie’s exploration points toward the method behind the recreation: a careful assembly of fragments to evoke familiar routes and landscapes, making the digital scene feel intimate and place-specific rather than generic.

    Key observations by Horie

    The article notes several distinctive touches that captivated Horie: jagged mountain roads that mirror Japan’s famed paths, railway overpasses, winding rivers, and vast but well-utilized parking lots around convenience stores where real-life car meetups occur. He describes urban intersections with chamfered mixed-use buildings and expansive pedestrian bridges, and rural areas where broad bypasses give way to narrower private roads that lead to nodes. Iconic landmarks such as Mount Fuji and Tokyo Tower are framed against mountain ranges that extend into the backdrop.

    Horie concludes that these nuanced details and a thoughtful assembly approach explain why the horizon line of the map feels so familiar to Japanese players, as if walking through a well-remembered landscape rather than a mere recreation. The overall sentiment is one of respect for the developers’ craftsmanship in recreating culturally resonant spaces.

    Public reaction

    A countryside resident adds his perspective on social media, praising the depth of Japan’s representation in the game. He notes that the rural areas—rice paddies, fields, and mountain passes—translate as faithfully as urban centers, suggesting the game’s ability to model both densely populated districts and expansive rural vistas with a shared authenticity. This sense of familiarity reinforces the notion of a living, breathing map that mirrors real life.

    The closing lines reiterate admiration for Playground Games and their team, acknowledging the depth of cultural respect embedded within the Forza Horizon 6 map’s design. The article closes with credits to individuals who contributed thoughts on the project, reinforcing the collaborative effort behind the virtual recreation.

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  • Forza Horizon 6 Launches Worldwide – 33% Off Now

    Forza Horizon 6 Launches Worldwide – 33% Off Now

    Key Takeaway

    – Forza Horizon 6 is now widely playable (standard release) across Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Store, and Steam, with a PS5 version announced for late 2026.
    – All digital editions support Xbox Play Anywhere (one purchase works on PC and Xbox), and Instant Gaming currently offers 33% off Microsoft Store keys.
    – The game debuted strong commercially and critically, with over $140M in early-access revenue and a Metacritic score of 92 (Must-Play).


    Forza Horizon 6 officially released for everyone

    The open-world racing game Forza Horizon 6, developed by Playground Games and published by Xbox Game Studios, is finally playable for everyone who didn’t purchase the expensive Premium Edition. The racer, which takes the franchise to Japan for the very first time, is available for Xbox Series X/S, the Microsoft Store, and Steam. While Premium Edition buyers have enjoyed access since May 15th via Advanced Access (Early Access), the standard worldwide release launches today. An additional version of the video game for the PS5 has been announced for later in 2026.

    Discounts on digital keys and cross‑platform play

    Digital keys for the Microsoft Store are currently available at a 33% discount through the reseller Instant Gaming. Known as a reliable online key seller, Instant Gaming boasts a 4.7 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot based on over 820,196 reviews. All three digital editions of Forza Horizon 6 are on sale and feature Xbox Play Anywhere support, meaning they can be played on both PC and Xbox Series X/S with a single purchase:

    Physical option and system requirements

    Gamers who prefer a physical boxed copy for their shelf can find the Forza Horizon 6 Standard Edition on Amazon. The game requires roughly 157 GB of storage space. Additionally, a hotfix was rolled out for the PC version on May 18th to address a bug that caused loading errors with player profiles during startup. Even before yesterday’s release, the next-gen racer has put up significant sales and player counts.

    Early sales performance and reception

    Reports indicate that the early access period alone generated more than $140 million in revenue worldwide. The racing game currently holds an exceptional Metacritic score of 92, earning it the coveted “Must-Play” award. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma congratulated the development team at Playground Games on X (formerly Twitter) for the highly successful launch and for hitting this major milestone within the franchise.

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  • Forza Horizon 6 RTX 3060 Ti Review: Japan OK, Ray Tracing Not Supported

    Forza Horizon 6 RTX 3060 Ti Review: Japan OK, Ray Tracing Not Supported

    Key Takeaway

    – 1080p: 95 FPS with Medium (best balance); Extreme without RT ~49 FPS; Extreme with RT ~36 FPS (0.1% lows ~22 FPS) — RT markedly hurts performance.
    – 1440p: Medium ~83 FPS; Extreme without RT ~35 FPS; Extreme with RT ~16 FPS (unplayable); High preset recommended for smooth 1440p (~75 FPS, 0.1% lows ~65 FPS).
    – Recommendation: For RTX 3060 Ti, use 1080p Medium/High or 1440p Medium/High; avoid RT if aiming for playable frame rates.


    Forza Horizon 6 launched today and brings a new open-world racing festival set in Japan

    Following the release, we took a close look at how the RTX 3060 Ti performs when paired with a Ryzen 7 5800X, testing both 1080p and 1440p scenarios to see where this mid-range setup sits. The goal was to understand how Nvidia’s mid-range card handles the latest Playground Games title on a modern CPU and at common display resolutions, while also noting any notable changes in the game’s recommended presets for this hardware pairing. The benchmark data is presented below with specific numbers and settings preserved from the testing run.

    1080p performance highlights and what settings matter most

    At 1080p, the 3060 Ti shines best when the right balance of settings is chosen. In Medium preset, the game runs at an average of 95 FPS with very solid 0.1% lows around 88.7 FPS, marking the sweet spot for this CPU-GPU pairing. If you push to Extreme without Ray Tracing, you see the frame rate drop to about 49 FPS, which is generally playable but noticeably less fluid. Turning Ray Tracing on top of that causes the average to fall to 36 FPS, with 0.1% lows dipping to 22 FPS, which can be felt during aggressive driving or high-speed sections.

    1440p results show how resolution changes the equation

    When you upscale to 1440p, the Medium setting still delivers a respectable 83 FPS average, suggesting 1440p monitors can enjoy a smooth experience without too much compromise. However, Extreme without RT collapses to 35 FPS, and Extreme with RT drops to a problematic 16 FPS average. The game’s own recommendation for this hardware is the High preset, which holds up fairly well and provides a smooth 75 FPS average at 1440p with 0.1% lows around 65 FPS, showing better consistency than Extreme options.

    Bottom line for 3060 Ti users and practical guidance

    The key takeaway is straightforward: at 1080p, Medium or High settings at this resolution or at 1440p with Medium/High are the most balanced choices for this card. Ray tracing, although supported, imposes a significant performance hit on the 3060 Ti that this tier of GPU typically cannot absorb without sacrificing fluidity. Those aiming for the best possible experience without RT should stick to the Medium/High range, depending on resolution, to preserve smoother frame pacing and more reliable 0.1% lows across play sessions.


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    • Fable Reboot Leak: Concept Art of New and Old Towns Revealed

      Fable Reboot Leak: Concept Art of New and Old Towns Revealed

      Key Takeaways

      1. Microsoft will provide more details about the Fable reboot on January 22nd during the Xbox Developer Direct.
      2. Concept art leaks show various locations and environments that may be featured in the game, though not all may make it to the final version.
      3. The reboot will explore a larger version of Albion, with over 20 leaked images suggesting significant scale and the return of familiar locations from previous titles.
      4. Bloodstone, a coastal society from Fable 2, is highlighted in the leaked art, featuring areas like an Arena and Pub Island, and suggesting a shared origin for player characters.
      5. Fans are eagerly awaiting a specific release date for the Fable reboot, with current expectations set vaguely around 2026 and rumors of a possible PS5 version.


      Announced in 2020, there are still many questions that fans have about the upcoming Fable reboot. Microsoft is set to give a more detailed glimpse of the Playground Games’ RPG on January 22nd during the Xbox Developer Direct. Meanwhile, some concept art has leaked, showcasing various locations that might be featured in the game.

      Concept Art Leaks

      MP1st has acquired these artworks from an artist who is no longer part of the project. While it’s uncertain if all the visuals shown will make it into the final game, there are clear resemblances to the environments seen in the official trailers.

      Exploring a New Albion

      The Fable reboot is anticipated to unfold in a larger version of Albion, supporting classic open-world exploration. The over 20 leaked images hint that the game’s scale has grown significantly. Moreover, developers might bring back familiar locations from previous Fable titles.

      Focus on Bloodstone

      Some of the leaked art highlights Bloodstone, a ruthless coastal society first introduced in Fable 2. One particular image titled after the town displays a map of the market area, including paths leading to an Arena, Pub Island, and markers indicating a character named Jacob.

      Even if players can personalize their hero in the Xbox title, it seems all characters might originate from the same area. Some art files labeled “Hamlet” suggest a possible home base for players. In one scenario, it shows a bustling community before a flood seemingly devastates its inhabitants.

      A giant werewolf was seen in the Fable reboot trailer, and a Balverine is also prominently featured in the artwork. Gamers will need to watch the Xbox Developer Direct to see if any other leaked visuals come to life.

      Anticipation for Release Date

      Fans are eager to receive a more specific release date for the Fable reboot, instead of the vague 2026 timeline. PlayStation fans are also intrigued, as there are rumors that a PS5 version could launch on the same day.

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