( I couldn’t find a good keyword(s) for this) TL;DR at bottom
I know this idea probably has been said before, but I haven’t seen this idea being talked about as of date. the next FH game is obviously going to be next-gen only, as all xbox studios have been announced to not make games for the one generation anymore. I would suggest watching Ericshipp 111’s latest video on why he thinks that FH6 won’t release in 2024 for more context. If we are using FM as a base, FH6’s development will most likely take another 3-4 years of development. With all this said, here are my predictions/hopes for FH6:
Because of the 6-7 yr development cycle I predict, FH6 could drop the number system (like FM) and bundle all 5 previous maps, fully remastered for Xbox SX/S. This seems like a big ask, but if you think about it, PGG has released five games within 9-10 years. The base maps are already there, and with proper utilization of AI, PGG could remaster all 5 maps within that time. Of course, they are most likely halfway already with FH6, so the chances of this happening are very slim.
But,
Because of them being halfway, they also have definitely adjusted the physics engine to their liking, which would mean that more resources could be allocated for this concept, speeding up the development of said concept. After release, PGG could release new maps every 1-2 yrs as paid content, if needed as well. This concept would undoubtedly SMASH competitors like TC Motorfest and TDU SC. I mean think about it, all five maps, remastered for SX/S on the new engine, for $70? THAT would be a system seller imo. If this concept would become reality, FH and FM would become generational titles, with release probably being a year after the console launches.
This, again, seems like a big ask, but I believe in PGG with the complete 180 they’ve had with FH5 live service. If they can save FH5, then they can defenitly save the previous games from being more outdated with each passing year.
TL;DR, PGG should drop the number and remaster all 5 maps for SX/S for one massive Horizon game Starfield style.