Phil Spencer: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle PS5 Port Suitably Improved for Xbox

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, will also launch on PlayStation 5 in Spring 2025. Xbox head Phil Spencer subsequently clarified this strategic decision.

Spencer emphasized that Xbox operates as a business, and its performance is measured against high internal expectations within Microsoft. He highlighted the significant support Xbox receives from the parent company and the importance of delivering strong returns on that investment. He also referenced past experiences, stating that Xbox has been actively learning and adapting its strategies.

The decision to bring Indiana Jones and the Great Circle to PlayStation follows the release of four other Xbox games on PlayStation and Switch consoles earlier this year. Spencer confirmed that this multiplatform strategy is a direct result of lessons learned from those releases. Despite this shift, he reassured fans that the Xbox platform remains exceptionally strong, with player numbers at an all-time high and franchises continuing to grow.

"Our franchises are getting stronger. Our Xbox console players are as high this year as they've ever been," Spencer stated. "Our player numbers are going up for the console platform. Our franchises are as strong as they've ever been. And we run a business."

Spencer also addressed the evolving gaming landscape, emphasizing Xbox's commitment to adapting to industry pressures and changes in game development and distribution. He underscored the importance of creating high-quality games accessible to a wider audience, stating that if Xbox isn't focused on that, it's "focused on the wrong things."

The move to a multiplatform release for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle isn't entirely unexpected. Rumors had circulated prior to the official announcement. Furthermore, the FTC trial regarding Microsoft's acquisition of Activision revealed that Disney initially intended the game for multiple platforms. Following the acquisition of Bethesda's parent company, ZeniMax Media, in 2020, the agreement was revised to make the game exclusive to Xbox and PC. Internal emails from 2021 also indicate that Xbox executives debated the implications of exclusivity versus a broader release.

This decision marks a significant shift in strategy for Xbox, suggesting a move towards broader accessibility for major titles, potentially setting a precedent for future releases.