In an exciting turn of events, Bethesda’s upcoming Indiana Jones game is set to launch on Sony’s PlayStation 5 console. This surprising announcement was made during Microsoft’s Xbox Developer Direct event last month when the game was first revealed for Xbox and PC. However, sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans have informed The Verge that Indiana Jones and the Great Circle may also be making its way to the PS5. This signals a shift in Microsoft’s strategy, as the company is considering a multi-platform approach for certain Xbox games.
Microsoft is currently evaluating which titles should remain exclusive to Xbox and which ones should be made available on other platforms, such as the Nintendo Switch or PS5. The launch of Indiana Jones on Xbox consoles will be followed by a relatively short period of exclusivity. Bethesda is tentatively targeting a December 2024 release for the Xbox and PC versions, but the exact timing and availability on different platforms may change as Microsoft’s multi-platform approach for Xbox games is still being finalized.
Apart from Indiana Jones, Microsoft has been exploring the possibility of bringing other Xbox exclusives to rival consoles. Games like Sea of Thieves and Hi-Fi Rush have reportedly been under consideration for cross-platform release. In fact, an announcement for Hi-Fi Rush on non-Xbox platforms is expected in the coming weeks. Additionally, datamined game assets have hinted at a potential release for PS5 and Nintendo Switch. Rumors also suggest that Microsoft plans to bring Starfield to PS5 after 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. Disney had initially contracted Bethesda for a multi-platform release, but the acquisition of Bethesda by Microsoft led to a change in the game’s exclusivity. Pete Hines, Bethesda’s former head of global publishing, testified that potential delays and the involvement of a licensor contributed to the decision to make the game an Xbox console exclusive.
The potential release of Indiana Jones on PS5 has sparked an intense internal debate at Microsoft. The company is grappling with the question of which Xbox games should be made available on rival consoles. While some titles have already been selected for cross-platform release, the specifics of this strategy are still being ironed out. The devil, as they say, will be in the details.
Microsoft’s willingness to consider a multi-platform approach for exclusive games marks a significant shift in its previous strategies. By expanding the reach of Xbox titles to rival consoles, Microsoft is not only increasing its potential revenue but also appealing to a broader audience of gamers. This move also opens up opportunities for collaboration and partnerships between Microsoft and other gaming giants.
The inclusion of Bethesda’s Indiana Jones game on the PlayStation 5 demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to a more inclusive and multi-platform future for Xbox games. While the final details are yet to be confirmed, it’s clear that Xbox is expanding its horizons beyond its own console ecosystem. This new era of cross-platform gaming will undoubtedly bring exciting opportunities for gamers and create new possibilities for the gaming industry as a whole.
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