Microsoft’s Multi-Platform Approach: Bringing Indiana Jones and the Great Circle to PS5

Microsoft’s recent acquisition of Bethesda has brought about a significant shift in the company’s approach to console exclusivity. With the upcoming release of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Microsoft is considering a multi-platform approach for certain Xbox games. This new strategy could potentially see the game launch on Sony’s PlayStation 5 (PS5) after its initial release on Xbox and PC.

The first glimpse of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was unveiled during Microsoft’s Xbox Developer Direct event last month. The game, developed by Bethesda, was announced as an Xbox console exclusive. However, a source familiar with Microsoft’s plans has revealed that the company is also considering bringing the game to PS5.

Microsoft’s new multi-platform approach for Xbox games is a result of an intense debate within the company over which titles to bring to rival consoles. While Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is currently set to have a short period of exclusivity on Xbox, a release for PS5 is being considered for some months later. Bethesda is tentatively targeting a December 2024 launch for the Xbox and PC versions.

The exact timing and platform availability for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle could change as Microsoft’s new multi-platform approach for Xbox games is still being evaluated. The company has been considering bringing certain Xbox exclusives to PS5 and Nintendo Switch in recent months. Sea of Thieves and Hi-Fi Rush have both reportedly been under cross-platform consideration, and Microsoft has also looked into bringing other Xbox games to rival consoles.

A Hi-Fi Rush announcement for non-Xbox platforms is expected in the coming weeks, with datamined game assets hinting at a release for PS5 and Nintendo Switch. XboxEra is also reporting that Microsoft is planning to bring Starfield to PS5, following the release of the game’s “Shattered Space” expansion for Xbox and PC.

Last year, during the FTC v. Microsoft case, it was revealed that Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was originally planned for multiple consoles. Pete Hines, Bethesda’s former head of global publishing, testified that Disney had a contract for multiple consoles and that the deal was amended to be an Xbox console exclusive after Microsoft acquired Bethesda. Hines attributed the change to potential delays in bringing the game to multiple consoles and the feedback from the licensor.

An Indiana Jones launch on PS5 would certainly be a surprise, but Microsoft has settled on some Xbox titles making their way to PS5 and Nintendo Switch. However, the details of this new approach are still being worked out. Microsoft’s decision to bring certain Xbox exclusives to rival consoles is a significant shift in the console market and could potentially change the dynamics of console exclusivity.

In conclusion, Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda has led to a new multi-platform approach for certain Xbox games. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is currently set to be an Xbox console exclusive, but a release for PS5 is being considered. This new strategy could potentially see more Xbox games making their way to rival consoles, changing the landscape of console exclusivity. The exact timing and availability of these releases are still being evaluated, and Microsoft’s decision could have significant implications for the console market.

Microsoft’s multi-platform approach is a response to the changing landscape of the gaming industry. With the rise of cloud gaming and the increasing popularity of cross-platform games, console exclusivity is becoming less relevant. Microsoft’s decision to bring certain Xbox games to PS5 and Nintendo Switch is a recognition of this trend and a strategic move to expand its reach and customer base.

The implications of Microsoft’s multi-platform approach are far-reaching. It could potentially lead to more collaboration between console manufacturers and game developers, as well as more competition in the console market. It could also lead to more choices for consumers, as they would have access to a wider range of games across multiple consoles.

In the end, Microsoft’s multi-platform approach is a recognition of the changing dynamics of the gaming industry and a strategic move to adapt to this new reality. It is a bold move that could potentially change the way we think about console exclusivity and the role of console manufacturers in the gaming ecosystem.

As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how Microsoft’s multi-platform approach plays out in practice. Will other console manufacturers follow suit? Will consumers embrace this new approach? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: Microsoft’s decision to bring certain Xbox games to PS5 and Nintendo Switch is a significant shift in the console market, and it could have far-reaching implications for the future of gaming.