Forza Horizon 6 launched in May 2026 with a stylized representation of Japan, including Tokyo, landmarks, and countryside shown across all seasons [1, 2]. Most objects and trees in the game are destructible by crashing, creating a fun and rewarding driving experience, said Torben Ellert, Forza Horizon 6 design director [1]. However, cherry blossom trees and culturally important temples and shrines are indestructible to avoid disrespecting significant cultural sites [1, 2].
Ellert explained, "Almost all trees in the game are smashable to ensure that traversing the world map is both fun and rewarding. However, several tree types are not — for example, the cherry blossom trees — because they’re an iconic element of Japanese culture. Certain temples or other cultural elements are also excluded so that players aren’t tempted to drive through shrines or locations of cultural importance" [1].
Cherry blossoms are a central icon of Japanese culture symbolizing rebirth and the fleeting nature of life. They are key to traditional hanami festivities, where people gather to view the blossoms each spring [1]. In real life, cherry blossom trees in Japan can be protected by laws and fines against damage or tampering [1].
The decision to make these elements indestructible came after controversy last year when Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows allowed players to break shrine objects. This led to backlash in Japan and a day-one patch to remove shrine destruction [1, 2]. Playground Games deliberately avoided similar problems by protecting these cultural sites in Forza Horizon 6 [1, 2].
The game encourages players to enjoy the destructible environment except for these selected cultural landmarks, maintaining both gameplay fun and cultural sensitivity [1].
