Xbox's Phil Spencer Explains the PlayStation 5 Port of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

At Gamescom 2024, Bethesda surprisingly announced that Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, initially slated as an Xbox and PC exclusive, will also launch on PlayStation 5 in Spring 2025. Xbox head Phil Spencer addressed this strategic shift, clarifying that the multiplatform release aligns with Xbox's broader business objectives and commitment to Microsoft's high performance expectations.

Spencer emphasized Xbox's ongoing learning and adaptation, referencing the four games released on PlayStation and Switch last spring. He stated that this experience informed their decision to expand multiplatform releases. Despite this move, Spencer highlighted the robust health of the Xbox ecosystem, citing record-high player numbers and thriving franchises.

"Our franchises are getting stronger. Our Xbox console players are at an all-time high this year," Spencer affirmed. He acknowledged the industry's evolving landscape and the need for adaptability, emphasizing that the ultimate goal is to deliver exceptional games accessible to a wider audience. He underscored that Xbox's priorities remain the health of its platform, its player base, and the continued growth of its game franchises.

The decision to bring Indiana Jones and the Great Circle to PlayStation follows earlier rumors and aligns with revelations from the FTC trial regarding Microsoft's acquisition of Bethesda. Bethesda's Pete Hines testified that an initial agreement with Disney envisioned a multiplatform release. This was later revised to an Xbox and PC exclusive. Internal emails from 2021 further suggest that Xbox executives weighed the potential benefits and limitations of exclusivity for Indiana Jones.

The shift to a multiplatform release for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle marks a significant strategic adjustment for Xbox, suggesting a broader move towards wider game accessibility, while maintaining a strong and growing Xbox ecosystem.