To celebrate the launch of Forza Horizon 6, Xbox created a real-life Horizon Festival in the UK

The racing game is back and better than ever

Gaming fans and petrolheads rejoice - Forza Horizon 6 is finally here, and available to play.

The racing game has become the best-reviewed video game of the year so far, and has also broken records to become the most played Early Access game in series history.

So naturally, Xbox decided a normal launch party wouldn’t cut it. Instead, they built a real-life Horizon Festival right here in the UK - and yes, it was every bit as chaotic and brilliant as it sounds.

JOE headed down to check it out, and the whole thing felt like stepping straight into the game’s Japanese setting. From neon lights and drifting culture to immaculate motors and incredible food, the festival was basically a love letter to Japan’s car scene.

There was delicious ramen on offer, rows of iconic Japanese cars, and even a custom driving course inspired by Japan’s famously strict driving tests. Visitors could jump behind the wheel themselves and put their skills to the test - hopefully with fewer stalls than your average driving lesson.

And because this is Forza, there was plenty of racing too. Fans were able to get hands-on with Forza Horizon 6 in immersive simulator setups that made it feel like they were flying through the streets of Japan for real.

If the festival was anything to go by, Forza Horizon 6 is shaping up to be one of the biggest games of the year. 

Why not find out for yourself? Forza Horizon 6 is out now on Xbox Series X|S and PC.