Xbox Head Touts PS5 Port Excellence

Xbox's Phil Spencer Explains the PlayStation 5 Port of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Xbox head Phil Spencer has shed light on the decision to bring Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, initially an Xbox and PC exclusive, to the PlayStation 5 in Spring 2025. This announcement, made during Gamescom 2024, surprised many. Spencer clarified that this multiplatform release is a strategic business move aligning with broader Xbox goals.

Spencer emphasized Xbox's commitment to meeting high internal performance standards set by Microsoft. He highlighted the company's learning and adaptation from previous experiences, citing the successful multiplatform releases of four games across Switch and PlayStation earlier this year. This learning, he stated, informed the decision to expand the reach of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

Despite this move, Spencer reassured fans that the Xbox platform remains robust, boasting record-high player numbers and thriving franchises. He underscored the importance of adapting to the ever-evolving gaming landscape and the pressure on the industry to find new avenues for growth. He stressed that the ultimate goal is to deliver exceptional games accessible to a wider audience, emphasizing that if Xbox isn't focused on this, they're focusing on the wrong things. The health of the Xbox platform and the continued growth of its games remain paramount.

Rumors of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle‘s multiplatform potential predate the official announcement. This release marks a significant shift, especially considering Spencer’s previous statements ruling out major titles like Indiana Jones and Starfield from appearing on PlayStation. The game is now likely to be one of several major Xbox titles coming to PS5, following the June announcement of Doom: The Dark Ages.

The FTC trial concerning Microsoft's acquisition of Activision in 2023 revealed that Disney initially intended Indiana Jones and the Great Circle for multiple platforms. Following Microsoft's acquisition of Bethesda's parent company, ZeniMax Media, the deal was renegotiated for Xbox and PC exclusivity. The recent PS5 port demonstrates a clear strategic shift for Xbox. Internal emails from 2021 show Spencer and other executives discussing the potential benefits and drawbacks of exclusivity, with Spencer acknowledging that while exclusivity could benefit Xbox, it could also limit the overall impact of Bethesda's games.