Microsoft is revisiting its exclusivity approach for Xbox games, considering a multi-platform strategy. Initially an Xbox exclusive, "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" might extend to PlayStation 5 a few months after the Xbox release.
Launching Indiana Jones on the PS5
Microsoft is reportedly reconsidering its exclusivity strategy for certain Xbox games, with Bethesda's upcoming title, "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle," being part of this shift.
Initially announced as an Xbox console exclusive during Microsoft's Xbox Developer Direct event, The Verge reported discussions within the company about extending its availability to Sony's PlayStation 5 (PS5).
While the game will launch first on Xbox and PC, the exclusivity period is expected to be relatively short. The potential release for PS5 is being considered a few months later, with a tentative target date set for December 2024.
This reflects a broader trend within Microsoft to explore a multi-platform approach for select Xbox games.
Microsoft is refining its approach to multi-platform releases for Xbox games, which includes considering the possibility of extending certain Xbox exclusives to rival consoles such as PS5 and Nintendo Switch.
Microsoft's Strategy
The situation with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is fluid, and the specific timing and platforms for its release are subject to change. Recent reports also suggest that Microsoft is evaluating the potential cross-platform availability of other Xbox titles, including Sea of Thieves and Hi-Fi Rush.
In the coming weeks, an announcement regarding the availability of Hi-Fi Rush on non-Xbox platforms is anticipated. Datamined game assets have sparked speculation about a potential release for PS5 and Nintendo Switch.
Furthermore, Xbox Era reported that Microsoft is contemplating bringing Starfield to PS5, particularly after the release of the game's "Shattered Space" expansion for Xbox and PC.
The gaming community is closely watching Microsoft's evolving multi-platform strategy and the potential impact on the availability of popular titles on different gaming consoles.
During the FTC v. Microsoft case last year, insights emerged regarding the initial plans for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Bethesda's former head of global publishing, Pete Hines, revealed that Disney initially had a contract for the game to be released on multiple consoles.
However, following Microsoft's acquisition of Bethesda, the deal was later amended to make it an Xbox console exclusive.
Hines attributed this change to potential delays in launching the game on various consoles. He explained that dealing with a licensor, such as Disney, could introduce substantial feedback and extend the development schedule significantly.
While the prospect of Indiana Jones launching on PS5 might be surprising, there's an ongoing internal debate at Microsoft regarding which Xbox games should be extended to rival consoles.
The company appears to have decided on bringing some Xbox titles to PS5 and Nintendo Switch, indicating a shift in its multi-platform strategy. As with any strategic decision, the details will be crucial in understanding the full impact of Microsoft's approach.
