Forza Horizon 6 has decided to make some structures and trees that hold cultural importance in Japan indestructible. The decision comes after several other AAA games, also set in Japan like Forza Horizon 6, faced criticism over depictions of sacred elements that some Japanese people found disrespectful.
One recent example is the backlash against Assassin's Creed Shadows. Despite the game's financially successful release, Ubisoft faced early criticism for allowing players to destroy some sacred artifacts in shrines. Some Japanese politicians also raised concerns over the feature, which eventually led the developer to apologize and make adjustments to then-make such cultural items indestructible.
A gamer has allegedly been banned from playing Forza Horizon 6 for 8,000 years after modding the game prior to its official release.
In Forza Horizon 6, players cannot demolish cherry blossom trees. Other trees can be destroyed, but not cherry blossom trees. While that choice may go against the high level of immersion the series is known for, there is a good reason behind it. Forza Horizon 6's design director, Torben Ellert, said the team has been careful to stay respectful and treat the game as a "simcade," a blend of simulation and arcade that does...
