Authentically Celebrating the Culture of Mexico in Forza Horizon 5
When it comes to designing and developing the games in the Forza Horizon series, there’s one thing that the team at Playground Games prioritizes over everything else: an authentic, open world. While cool cars and music are important, they aren’t the only thing that make an authentic world. Forza HorizonExperience. The team was familiar with previous games in Australia, Britain, South Europe and Colorado, so they set their sights on Mexico. Forza Horizon 5
The team made deliberate, intentional decisions from the beginning to make Mexico their destination. Forza Horizon 5 is as close to the real thing as possible especially when it comes to celebrating the country’s incredibly rich culture. “Our goal for Forza Horizon 5 is to go beyond capturing Mexico’s signature landscapes to giving players a chance to experience the country’s people and traditions,” said Mike Brown, Creative Director of Forza Horizon 5Playground Games. “We value the Mexican and Latinx community and want to ensure we are authentically celebrating the diverse community in the most true and respectful way possible”
To assist with bringing this world to life, Playground Games hired a consultant named Lalo Alcaraz (a writer for Nickelodeon’s “The Casagrandes” and Mexico culture consultant for the Pixar film “Coco”), to collaborate on the team’s portrayal of Mexico, with his contributions resulting in changes to the campaign, characters, and overall depiction of Mexico. He played a major role in bringing the game’s characters to life and bringing deeply important local customs to Forza Horizon 5.
“I’m a cultural consultant that can advise you on whether something is authentic or not, but then I can pitch alternatives on the spot,” said Alcaraz. “I can do it in the voice of the character because I’m also a writer. And that’s actually my favorite part.”
Alcaraz stated that he was careful to balance caution and reassurance. Alcaraz and his team worked hard to bring Mexican authenticity into the game. They also helped land the vibrant, playful tone. Forza Horizon is known for throughout the game’s art, music and storylines (such as the Lucha de Carretera and Vocho stories).
In addition to the writing, Playground wanted to bring Mexico’s vibrant and diverse cultural heritage to life with traditional mural art. The game’s original artwork was created by Mexican artists hailing from various regions. This resulted in collaboration includes famed artists such as Farid Rueda, Star27, Spaik, Senkoe, Raul Urias, and Cix.
Each artist took a unique, individual approach to designing murals and used their inspiration and perspectives. Rueda combined Mexican forms and colors with easily recognizable animals like lions, bears, and other familiar creatures to make it easy for players all over the globe to connect with Mexico. Urias focused on aspects of Chihuahua that he loved, like the Tarahumara culture as well as landscapes, pottery, and the flora & fauna. Urias wanted to create a picture of Chihuahua for others to see.
Create Forza Horizon 5, Playground sent teams to Mexico to visit all of the games’ locations for inspiration and to ensure they are accurately representing the land, the weather, the change in seasons, the sounds, and more. The teams also met residents in Mexico to make sure that the country’s beautiful culture and community are properly represented. Creative Director Mike Brown said it best: “Above all, Forza Horizon 5This is an occasion to celebrate. It’s a celebration of music, it’s a celebration of cars, and it’s a celebration of Mexico.”
Forza Horizon 5 Standard Edition
Xbox Game Studios
$59.99
Your Ultimate Horizon Adventure awaits! Explore the vibrant and ever-evolving open world landscapes of Mexico with limitless, fun driving action in hundreds of the world’s greatest cars.
Forza Horizon 5 Deluxe Edition
Xbox Game Studios
$79.99
AUTO PASS INCLUDED
Your Ultimate Horizon Adventure awaits! Explore the vibrant and ever-evolving open world landscapes of Mexico with limitless, fun driving action in hundreds of the world’s greatest cars. Deluxe Edition contains the complete game as well as Car Pass.
Forza Horizon 5 Premium Edition
Xbox Game Studios
$99.99
Includes EARLY ACCESS and TWO EXPANSIONS. VIP, CARPASS, WELCOME PACK.
Your Ultimate Horizon Adventure awaits! Explore the vibrant and ever-evolving open world landscapes of Mexico with limitless, fun driving action in hundreds of the world’s greatest cars. Premium Edition allows you access to the entire game four days before its release. This will allow you to start playing on November 5, 2021. The Welcome Pack, Car Pass and VIP Membership are included, as well as two expansions, when available.
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