Forza Horizon 6 leaking early was "not the result of a pre-load issue", developers Playground say, while threatening "franchise-wide and hardware bans"

SteamDB have also put out a statement distancing themselves from any leakage

Following news of Forza Horizon 6's PC version leaking online ahead of release, developers Playground Games have said the leak was wasn't the result of a Steam pre-load issue. They've also made clear that anyone playing a pirated copy risks a serious ban.

"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," the studio wrote on Twitter. "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."

Initially, social media posts about the leak had claimed that an unencrypted build accidentally uploaded to Steam on the devs' end might be to blame for it. Database site SteamDB, one of the places the leaked files popped up, have also issued a statement distancing themselves from the leak and backing up Playground's assertion that a backend mishap wasn't to blame. "Forza Horizon 6 was very likely leaked by someone with early access to the build (reviewer or similar)," they wrote. "At around the same time, the file list appeared on SteamDB because someone (could be someone else) used our token dumper. SteamDB does not display or share keys, nor can it provide downloads."

Regardless of the cause, it's unsurprising to see Playground get straight to work trying to slap anyone broadcasting that they're playing a pirated copy with a substantial punishment. As I mentioned yesterday, the fact Horizon 6's more expensive premium edition boasts access to the game prior to standard edition players in return for the extra cash is even more impetus for the studio not to hold back in taking action against anyone who's flooding the internet with screenshots of them playing before that four day premium edition 'early access' window has kicked off.

For anyone buying the standard edition of Horizon 6, May 19th remains the date you're waiting for. Maybe try avoiding social media in the interim if possible, assuming you're keen not to be inundated with videos showing off what it's like to drive around every bit of the map or people breathlessly confirming that the new Forza's menu screens look a fair bit like Forza menu screens.