the 15 biggest reveals
Short answer: Forza Horizon 6 is official and set in Japan for 2026, launching first on Xbox and PC with a PS5 release post-launch. We also got Ninja Gaiden 4 (Oct 21), Black Ops 7 Japan maps with October betas, a Bruce Lee mission in Hitman, and a massive Japan World Update for Microsoft Flight Simulator plus a stack of partner trailers.
Table of Contents
Forza Horizon 6 is set in Japan, launches in 2026
After years of “please go to Japan,” Playground confirmed it: Forza Horizon 6 is headed to Japan with a 2026 launch window. The cinematic teaser ends on Mount Fuji and a quick sweep of neon Tokyo City no gameplay yet, but a clear signal on the setting and tone.
Why Japan, and what changes in FH6’s open world
In a developer Q&A, art director Don Arceta says Japan’s car culture, music, and fashion make it a natural fit. Expect dense urban driving in Tokyo City called “one of our most detailed and layered environments to date” as well as serene rural and mountain routes. Cultural consultant Kyoko Yamashita highlights kei cars, drifting roots, precision motorsport, and customization as key pillars. Seasonal shifts return (summer heat, snowy winters, sakura weeks), with ambient audio cues (station chimes, wind bells) to ground you without subtitles.
Platforms (Xbox/PC first), PS5 post-launch explained
FH6 launches first on Xbox Series X|S and PC in 2026, with Game Pass at launch; PlayStation 5 will come post-launch, according to Xbox’s official pages and the in-franchise site. This mirrors Microsoft’s broader “more platforms” strategy we’ve seen this year.
What we saw in the teaser + what’s next
The trailer nods to every Horizon entry before cutting to Japan. Concrete gameplay is promised in early 2026. For now, wishlist pages are live on Xbox and Steam.
Ninja Gaiden 4: date, difficulty, and “Master Ninja” design
Release date & availability
Team Ninja and PlatinumGames confirmed October 21 for Ninja Gaiden 4, with day-one Game Pass and availability on other platforms.
High skill ceiling, real on-ramps
The show segment focused on difficulty design: adaptive enemy placement and aggressive AI scale up as you move from Hero → Normal → Hard, with a Training Mode to practice combos and systems before you jump into the deep end. There’s even a “Death Wish” variant for those who want to push beyond Master Ninja.
Accessibility without losing the edge
Options like Auto Assist/Evade/Block, Auto Heal, reduced gore, and color-highlighting of game elements open the door for newcomers without dulling what makes Ninja Gaiden… Ninja Gaiden.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 – Japan maps and beta dates
Treyarch/Beenox showed two Japan-set MP maps: Toshin, a slice of 2035 Tokyo with a cat café, karaoke bar, and a crashed train set piece; and Den, a countryside map circling a repurposed castle. The Early Access Beta starts Oct 2, Open Beta runs Oct 5, and launch is Nov 14.
Bruce Lee joins Hitman: World of Assassination
Yes, that Bruce Lee your ally, not your target. The limited-time “Infiltrator” mission is live Sept 25–Nov 20. You operate from the shadows to keep Agent Lee (Bruce Lee) alive during a martial arts tourney, subtly sabotaging threats while staying unseen. It’s free in the Starter Pack (as an Elusive Target for WOA owners).
Microsoft Flight Simulator – Japan World Update
World Update 20: Japan lands today for MSFS 2020 and 2024: 23 photogrammetry areas across 20,000+ km², five handcrafted airports, and 67 POIs, including Osaka Castle and Fukuoka Tower. The NAMC YS-11 debuts as a Local Legend (paid).
Everything else in a glance
| Game / Update | Key takeaway | Platforms / Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Forza Horizon 6 (2026) | Japan setting confirmed; teaser shown; Xbox/PC first, PS5 post-launch | Xbox Series X |
| Ninja Gaiden 4 | Oct 21 release; difficulty deep-dive; Training Mode; day-one Game Pass | Xbox, PC, PS5; Game Pass day-one |
| CoD: Black Ops 7 | Japan maps (Toshin, Den); Oct 2 Early Access Beta; Oct 5 Open Beta; Nov 14 launch | Xbox, PlayStation, PC; Game Pass day-one on Xbox/PC |
| Hitman WOA | Bruce Lee “Infiltrator” mission (ally) | Free window Sept 25–Nov 20 in Starter Pack; Elusive Target for WOA owners |
| MS Flight Simulator | Japan World Update 20 + Local Legend YS-11 | Free update today; YS-11 paid in marketplace |
Mini FAQ (quick answers)
Is Forza Horizon 6 set in Japan?
Yes. FH6 is officially set in Japan, with Tokyo City, rural routes, and Mount Fuji teased in the reveal.
When does FH6 launch?
2026. More details are promised in early 2026.
Is FH6 coming to PS5?
Yes, post-launch. It releases first on Xbox/PC, then arrives on PS5 later.
What’s new in Ninja Gaiden 4?
An on-ramp of difficulty options, a robust Training Mode, and a Master Ninja endgame without losing the classic brutality. Launches Oct 21.
Black Ops 7 beta dates?
Early Access Oct 2, Open Beta Oct 5, launch Nov 14.
How do I play the Bruce Lee Hitman mission?
It’s live Sept 25–Nov 20 as a limited-time mission (Starter Pack/Elusive Target). Bruce Lee (Agent Lee) fights; you protect.
What to watch next (roadmap, wishlists, alerts)
- Wishlist FH6 on Xbox/Steam to catch the next info drop in early 2026.
- Preload NG4 news: accessibility settings look deep—good “how-to” explainer fodder close to Oct 21.
- Black Ops 7 beta coverage plan: map guides for Toshin and Den the week of Oct 2–5.
Frequently Asked Question
Where is Forza Horizon 6 set?
Japan Tokyo City plus rural and mountain regions; seasons and ambient audio details return.
FH6 release window?
2026; more info early 2026.
FH6 platforms?
Xbox Series X|S, PC at launch; PS5 post-launch; Game Pass day-one.
Ninja Gaiden 4 release date?
Oct 21, 2025.
Does NG4 support newcomers?
Yes-multiple difficulties, Training Mode, assists; challenge remains intact.
Black Ops 7 beta and launch?
EA Beta Oct 2; Open Beta Oct 5; launch Nov 14.
What’s in MSFS Japan update? 23 photogrammetry areas, 5 handcrafted airports, 67 POIs; YS-11 Local Legend.
Bruce Lee in Hitman how to play?
Free via Starter Pack (Elusive Target for owners) during Sept 25–Nov 20.
Will FH6 have seasons?
Yes, with spring/summer/autumn/winter impacting tone and activity, plus sakura weeks.
Why Japan for FH6?
Fan-requested since game one; rich car culture, music, fashion, and varied landscapes.
Featured Answer Boxes
What did Xbox announce at TGS 2025?
Xbox confirmed Forza Horizon 6 in Japan for 2026 (Xbox/PC first, PS5 later), showed Ninja Gaiden 4 (Oct 21), unveiled Black Ops 7 Japan maps and beta dates, launched a Japan World Update for Microsoft Flight Simulator, and added Bruce Lee to Hitman as an ally mission.
Is Forza Horizon 6 coming to PS5?
Yes, but not day-and-date. FH6 launches first on Xbox and PC in 2026, with a PS5 version planned post-launch, per Xbox’s official pages and Forza’s site.
When is the Ninja Gaiden 4 release date?
October 21, 2025, with day-one Game Pass and a focus on difficulty scaling, Training Mode, and accessibility settings to help new players learn without diluting the challenge.
How long is Bruce Lee in Hitman?
The “Infiltrator” mission window runs Sept 25–Nov 20. Bruce Lee (Agent Lee) is your ally, and gameplay revolves around protecting him while remaining unseen.
Source: Xbox Wire
