Microsoft is exploring new horizons in their gaming strategy, with a shift towards multi-platform releases and potential cross-console compatibility. A source familiar with Microsoft’s plans has revealed to The Verge that the upcoming Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, developed by Bethesda, is being considered for release on Sony’s PlayStation 5 (PS5). This signals a significant departure from the previous Xbox exclusivity model and highlights Microsoft’s evolving approach to game development and distribution.
During Microsoft’s Xbox Developer Direct event last month, fans were delighted to catch a glimpse of the highly anticipated Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. At the time of the announcement, it was confirmed that the game would be released exclusively on Xbox consoles and PC. However, recent developments suggest that Bethesda is now contemplating a PS5 release, marking a departure from their initial plans.
Microsoft is currently reevaluating the exclusivity of certain Xbox games, considering the possibility of expanding their reach to rival consoles, including the Nintendo Switch and PS5. Industry insiders reveal that a new multi-platform approach is emerging within Microsoft, whereby select titles will no longer be exclusive to Xbox but will instead be made available on other platforms.
While Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is due to launch initially as an Xbox console exclusive, reports suggest that this period of exclusivity will be relatively short-lived. Bethesda is rumored to be targeting a December 2024 release for the Xbox and PC versions, with a potential release for PS5 following shortly after. However, it is important to remember that these plans are subject to change, as Microsoft’s multi-platform approach is still being finalized.
This shift in strategy can be observed in recent reports surrounding other Xbox titles. Sea of Thieves and Hi-Fi Rush are among the games reportedly under consideration for cross-platform releases. Insiders suggest that an announcement regarding Hi-Fi Rush’s availability on non-Xbox platforms is imminent, with datamined game assets indicating a release for PS5 and Nintendo Switch.
The potential for multi-platform releases extends beyond Indiana Jones. XboxEra reports that Microsoft may also bring Starfield, a highly anticipated game, to PS5. Following the release of the game’s “Shattered Space” expansion for Xbox and PC, speculation is growing regarding its availability on rival consoles. If these reports prove true, it would further solidify Microsoft’s commitment to expanding their game library beyond the confines of the Xbox ecosystem.
Understanding the Licensing Dynamics
Pete Hines, Bethesda’s former head of global publishing, shed some light on the decision-making process behind Indiana Jones and the Great Circle’s exclusivity shift. During the FTC v. Microsoft case last year, it was revealed that the game was originally planned for multiple consoles. However, due to potential delays and the complexities of licensing agreements with Disney, the decision was made to consolidate it as an Xbox console exclusive under Microsoft’s ownership of Bethesda.
The Internal Debate: Balancing Exclusivity vs. Wider Reach
While the potential release of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on PS5 would undoubtedly surprise many, sources indicate that an intense internal debate is taking place at Microsoft regarding which Xbox games should be made available on rival consoles. The company appears to have embraced the idea of expanding its reach, but the specifics of such agreements will ultimately determine the extent of their cross-platform endeavors.
Microsoft’s multi-platform approach signals an exciting and dynamic shift within the gaming industry. By exploring the possibility of bringing Xbox games to PS5 and Nintendo Switch, Microsoft is embracing new opportunities for their beloved titles. While the specifics of these arrangements are yet to be finalized, fans can expect further surprises and announcements in the coming months. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the devil truly lies in the details.
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