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.

Xbox's Multiplatform Strategy

Spencer emphasized that Xbox operates as a business, accountable to Microsoft. High performance is expected, and the company's significant support necessitates ambitious returns. He highlighted Xbox's commitment to learning from past experiences, referencing the multiplatform releases of four games across PlayStation and Switch last spring. This experience informed the decision to expand multiplatform releases further.

Despite the Indiana Jones multiplatform release, Spencer underscored the robust health of the Xbox ecosystem, citing record-high player numbers and thriving franchises. He stressed the importance of adaptability in a dynamic gaming market, noting the industry's ongoing evolution in game development and distribution. Spencer reiterated Xbox's core focus: creating high-quality games accessible to a wider audience.

The FTC and the Original Plan for Indiana Jones

Rumors of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle's multiplatform release preceded the official announcement. This follows earlier speculation about other first-party Xbox titles potentially going multiplatform. This marks a significant shift, especially considering Spencer's previous statements ruling out multiplatform releases for major titles like Indiana Jones and Starfield. The decision suggests a broader trend of Xbox exclusives potentially coming to PlayStation 5, following the June announcement of Doom: The Dark Ages.

The 2020 acquisition of ZeniMax Media by Microsoft plays a role in this narrative. Testimony during last year's FTC trial revealed an initial agreement between Disney and ZeniMax for a multiplatform Indiana Jones game. This agreement was renegotiated post-acquisition to secure Xbox and PC exclusivity. However, the recent PS5 port reflects a strategic recalibration. Internal emails from 2021 reveal discussions among Xbox executives, including Spencer, acknowledging the potential benefits and limitations of exclusivity for Bethesda's output.