Xbox's Phil Spencer Explains the PlayStation 5 Port of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
At Gamescom 2024, Bethesda surprised attendees by announcing that Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, initially slated as an Xbox and PC exclusive, would also launch on PlayStation 5 in Spring 2025. Xbox head Phil Spencer subsequently clarified this strategic decision.
Spencer emphasized Xbox's business-oriented approach, highlighting the high performance expectations from Microsoft. He underscored the company's commitment to learning and adapting, citing the multiplatform releases of four games (including two on Nintendo Switch) last spring as a learning experience that informed this decision. He stated that the data showed increased Xbox player numbers and strong franchise performance, even with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle going multiplatform.
"Our franchises are getting stronger. Our Xbox console players are as high this year as they've ever been," Spencer stated. He acknowledged the evolving gaming landscape and the need for adaptability, emphasizing that the ultimate goal is "better games that more people can play."
The decision to bring Indiana Jones and the Great Circle to PlayStation 5 has been rumored for some time. Interestingly, the FTC trial regarding Microsoft's acquisition of Activision revealed that Disney initially intended the game for multiple platforms. Following Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media (Bethesda's parent company), the agreement was altered to make it an Xbox and PC exclusive. Internal emails from 2021 show Spencer and other executives discussing the potential trade-offs of exclusivity.
This move follows the multiplatform release of other titles, including Doom: The Dark Ages, suggesting a broader shift in Xbox's strategy. While Spencer previously stated that major titles like Indiana Jones and Starfield wouldn't be coming to PlayStation, this decision marks a significant departure from that stance.
The ultimate takeaway is that Xbox's focus remains on the health of its platform and the growth of its franchises, even as it explores new avenues for game distribution and reaches a wider audience.
