'The Horizon Theory' - Forza Horizon 6 Location Theory

Summary

In this video, the creator presents the 'Horizon Theory', which explores the idea that the locations for the Horizon Festival in the Forza Horizon series are carefully chosen, often linked to real-world cultural festivals, particularly Fringe Festivals. From the largest arts festivals in the world to smaller grassroots events, the video suggests that the Horizon games have progressed from showcasing regional festivals to embracing larger international cultural hubs. The presenter also speculates about potential future Horizon Festival locations, including South Africa, China, and Canada, based on their cultural significance and festival ties.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Horizon Festival destinations are often chosen based on real-world cultural events like Fringe Festivals.
• 😀 The Horizon Series has traveled to various global locations, including Colorado, the South of France, Australia, Scotland, and Mexico.
• 😀 Fringe Festivals, which focus on performing arts like theater, dance, and music, are central to the Horizon Festival concept.
• 😀 Horizon 4 took place in Scotland, home to the world's largest Fringe Festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
• 😀 Horizon 5 featured the city of Guanajuato, which hosts one of Latin America's largest cultural festivals, El Cervantino.
• 😀 Horizon 3 featured multiple Australian locations, and Adelaide, which is home to the second-largest Fringe Festival, was included.
• 😀 The first two games in the Horizon series (Horizon 1 and 2) did not directly align with major Fringe Festivals but focused on smaller grassroots festivals and well-known cultural events.
• 😀 Horizon 1, set in Colorado, was influenced by smaller local festivals like the Boulder International Fringe Festival.
• 😀 Horizon 2, located in Southern France and Northern Italy, was influenced by major cultural festivals such as the Festival de Avignon and the Nice Jazz Festival.
• 😀 Based on the patterns of festival connections, potential future Horizon Festival locations could include Grahamstown, South Africa, Shenzhen, China, and Edmonton, Canada.

Q & A

What is the main theory discussed in the video script?

The main theory in the video suggests that the locations for the Horizon Festival in the Forza Horizon series are not randomly chosen but are actually connected to global Fringe Festivals, which focus on celebrating culture, arts, and performances.

What is a Fringe Festival, and why is it relevant to the Horizon Festival locations?

A Fringe Festival is a large cultural event that showcases performing arts like theater, music, dance, and more. The relevance to Horizon Festival locations lies in the idea that many Horizon Festival sites are in regions that host such cultural festivals, which align with the Horizon Festival's celebration of culture and art in racing.

Which Horizon Festival games feature clear connections to major Fringe Festivals?

Horizon 4 (Scotland) connects with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and Horizon 5 (Mexico) ties in with major cultural festivals in Latin America. Horizon 3 (Australia) also ties into the Adelaide Fringe, the second-largest Fringe Festival in the world.

How does Horizon 3 differ from the other Horizon titles in terms of its connection to Fringe Festivals?

Horizon 3 includes multiple locations around Australia, such as Surf Paradise and Kubar Petti, but its connection to Fringe Festivals is more indirect compared to the other titles. The closest connection is to the Adelaide Fringe Festival in South Australia.

Why might Horizon 1's location in Colorado not have a direct connection to major Fringe Festivals?

Horizon 1's setting in Colorado features smaller, grassroots festivals like the Boulder International Fringe Festival and the Denver Fringe Festival. These smaller events may not be as globally recognized as the larger Fringe Festivals, but they still embody the cultural spirit of the Horizon Festival.

How does Horizon 2 connect to cultural festivals in southern France and northern Italy?

Horizon 2's location spans parts of southern France and northern Italy, which are home to famous cultural festivals like the Festival d'Avignon and the Nice Jazz Festival. While not strictly Fringe Festivals, these events celebrate art and culture on a major scale, fitting with the Horizon Festival's theme.

What does the narrator suggest about the future locations for Horizon 6?

The narrator suggests that Horizon 6 might continue the series' tradition of rotating locations across continents. The top predictions include Grahamstown, South Africa (home to the National Arts Festival), Shenzhen, China (which hosts the Shenzhen Fringe Festival), and Edmonton, Canada (home to the Edmonton International Fringe Festival).

Why is South Africa considered a strong candidate for Horizon 6's location?

South Africa, particularly Grahamstown, is considered a strong candidate because it is home to the National Arts Festival, the largest arts festival in Africa. This would also mark a new continent for the Horizon series, offering fresh landscapes and cultural diversity for players to explore.

What is the significance of the Shenzhen Fringe Festival in the context of Horizon 6?

The Shenzhen Fringe Festival in China is significant because it could be the first time Horizon visits Asia. The addition of new Chinese cars in Horizon 5 and a celebration for Chinese New Year might suggest that Playground Games is setting up for an Asian location in a future Horizon title.

What role do cultural festivals play in the selection of Horizon Festival locations?

Cultural festivals, particularly Fringe Festivals, play a crucial role in the selection of Horizon Festival locations because they represent the celebration of culture, music, and art on a grand scale. This ties in well with the Horizon Festival's focus on showcasing both the beauty of diverse landscapes and the joy of racing, creating a unique environment for players.