Forza Horizon 6 Suffers Catastrophic Leak: 155GB Steam Preload Files Exposed a Week Early

In what may be the biggest pre-release security failure in PC gaming history, Forza Horizon 6's entire 155GB Steam preload was left completely unprotected—and pirates pounced within hours. On May 10, the game's preload files were uploaded without encryption, allowing anyone with access to download, crack, and play the game over a week before its official launch. This article breaks down how the leak happened, what Microsoft is doing in response, and whether this will actually hurt sales for one of Xbox's most anticipated titles.

How the Leak Happened – An Encryption Oversight

The leak originated from a critical error in how the game's Steam preload files were handled. According to a report by Insider Gaming, the 155GB of preload data was uploaded to Steam's servers without encryption. This allowed anyone monitoring SteamDB—a third-party database that tracks Steam's content delivery network—to download the files in their raw, unprotected state.

The likely cause: a decryption update was released prematurely, making the preload files accessible before the official launch window. Normally, Steam preloads are encrypted and require a decryption key that is distributed only at the time of early access or full release. In this case, the key appears to have been made available by mistake, effectively unlocking the game for anyone who could obtain the files.

The timing of the leak is particularly damaging. It occurred on May 10, four days before Premium early access was scheduled to begin on May 15, and nine days before the full launch on May 19. Within 12 hours of the files appearing online, gameplay videos were circulating on YouTube, showing off the game's new locations, cars, and events long before any official previews were permitted.

Microsoft’s Response – Takedowns and Potential Bans

Microsoft has moved quickly to contain the damage, though its response has been reactive rather than preventive. The company has issued DMCA takedown notices to multiple platforms, including Reddit, YouTube, and major piracy sites, demanding the removal of leaked content.

A prominent Reddit thread discussing the leak was removed by Reddit's Legal Operations team at Microsoft's request. YouTube channels that uploaded gameplay footage have also been hit with copyright strikes, though some videos remained online for hours before being taken down.

Beyond takedowns, Microsoft is expected to take action against individual users caught streaming the game early. The company has a history of banning accounts that engage in unauthorized early play, and internal documents obtained by The Verge suggest that similar measures are being prepared for this incident. However, given the scale of the leak—the files are now widely available on torrent sites—it's unlikely that enforcement actions will fully stem the spread of the pirated version.

Sales Impact – Will the Leak Hurt Forza Horizon 6’s Success?

Despite the severity of the leak, early indicators suggest it may not significantly damage Forza Horizon 6's commercial performance. The game is already the second top-selling title by revenue on Steam and the third most-wishlisted game on the platform. As noted by SteamDB data and analyst estimates, it has sold half a million copies on Steam alone before the leak occurred.

Several factors mitigate the financial impact. First, the vast majority of legitimate players will not resort to piracy due to the convenience of official distribution, access to online multiplayer features, and the game's inclusion in Xbox Game Pass. Forza Horizon 6 is a day-one Game Pass title, meaning millions of subscribers can access it without purchasing it outright.

Second, the leak does not affect the game's long-term revenue streams. Forza Horizon 6 is also planned for a PlayStation 5 release later in 2026, which will bring in a new wave of sales independent of the PC leak. Similar incidents in the past—such as the Death Stranding 2 leak via an encryption mistake—have not derailed major sales performance.

The real risk may be reputational rather than financial. The leak comes at a particularly bad time for Xbox, which is already grappling with declining hardware sales and game purchases attributed to memory price increases, U.S. tariffs, and generational shifts in consumer behavior. A high-profile leak adds to a string of recent operational missteps, including the unionization of Double Fine on May 9 and Microsoft's decision to kill the Copilot AI for Xbox on May 5—both stories that have drawn negative attention.

What This Means for Players

For those considering downloading the leaked files, the risks are significant. Microsoft has a history of banning Xbox Live and Microsoft accounts associated with piracy, and users caught streaming or playing the game early could face permanent bans. Additionally, leaked builds may contain bugs, missing content, or malware—a common risk with unauthorized downloads. For most players, waiting for the official release on May 15 (Premium) or May 19 (standard) remains the safest and most reliable option.

Conclusion

Forza Horizon 6 will almost certainly be a commercial success. With half a million Steam pre-orders already in the bag and Game Pass driving adoption, the leak may cause short-term PR damage but not lasting financial harm. But this leak is a stark reminder that in the digital age, a single encryption oversight can turn a studio's biggest moment into its most embarrassing one. The question now isn't whether the game will sell—it's whether Microsoft can afford another misstep.