Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Coming to PlayStation 5
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, expected to be a major console and Game Pass exclusive for Xbox this fall, is set to make its way to PlayStation 5 as well, as per recent reports. The rumors surrounding this port have been circulating for months, marking it as the latest Xbox game to transition away from exclusivity in light of Microsoft’s new multiplatform strategy.
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Indiana Jones, developed by Machine Games, known for their work on Wolfenstein: The New Order and its sequel in 2014, currently lacks an official release date but is anticipated to launch on Xbox and PC by the end of 2024. According to industry insider Nate The Hate, the game is expected to have a brief period of exclusivity on consoles before making its way to the PS5 in the first half of 2025. Insider Gaming has also corroborated this information, shared under a non-disclosure agreement with select media outlets.
Earlier this year, Microsoft surprised fans by announcing that four of its previously exclusive first-party games, including Sea of Thieves and Hi-Fi Rush, would be available on PS5. While initially stating that titles like Starfield and Indiana Jones would remain exclusive, recent reports from The Verge and others suggest that no Xbox Studios game is exempt from potentially losing its exclusivity status. This shift, while broadening accessibility for players, has sparked concern among Xbox users about the platform’s future, especially amidst growing pressure to boost profits following the acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
Legal Battles and Platform Exclusivity
Indiana Jones, licensed by Disney, became a focal point in the FTC trial following the merger last year, with exclusivity cited as a cautionary example of industry consolidation risks. Former Bethesda publishing head Pete Hines argued that exclusivity could lead to enhanced game quality by allowing studios to focus resources on optimizing projects for a single platform. Hines, who expressed frustration over Bethesda’s shift to exclusives post-Microsoft acquisition, retired last year. Additionally, upcoming titles like Arkane’s Blade and Doom: The Dark Ages are also navigating questions of exclusivity.
With Starfield potentially heading to PS5 and its DLC expansion, Shattered Space, launching this fall, Xbox’s upcoming announcements at Gamescom are eagerly anticipated. As the industry landscape evolves, the potential for more PS5 ports in Xbox’s lineup remains uncertain.
Update: 8/19/24 4:30 p.m. ET: Confirmation that the next Doom installment is also slated for PS5.
FAQs
Q: Will Indiana Jones and the Great Circle be available on PlayStation 5?
A: Yes, the game is expected to arrive on PlayStation 5 after its initial release on Xbox and PC.
Q: What prompted Microsoft to transition some Xbox exclusives to PS5?
A: Microsoft’s multiplatform approach aims to broaden accessibility to their games and increase profitability in light of recent acquisitions and market trends.
Q: How have industry insiders and media outlets responded to these developments?
A: Insider reports and industry commentary indicate a mix of excitement over expanded access and concerns about the future direction of gaming platforms.
Credit: kotaku.com
