Xbox Renegotiated Indiana Jones Deal to Exclude PS5, Then Ported It Anyway 1

If you want an insight into the shifting strategy at Xbox, then look no further than this: a little over a year ago, in June 2023, Bethesda boss Pete Hines told the Federal Trade Commission in court that his company had renegotiated its Indiana Jones deal with Disney to exclude the PS5. The Great Circle, originally planned to be multiplatform, was scheduled to release on Xbox and PC only following the amended deal.

It was announced for PS5 as “one more thing” during Gamescom Opening Night Live last night.

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This really underlines the rapidly changing thinking within Microsoft, as in less than a year it’s completely revised its approach. The trillion dollar tech titan had previously spoken of a “case by case” basis with regards to exclusivity, but when Starfield skipped Sony’s system it was expected all of Bethesda’s games would follow the same path. That entire tactic appears to have been tossed out of the window.

During its widely publicised business update podcast earlier in the year, Xbox boss Phil Spencer was asked outright if Starfield and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle would be coming to PS5. He said no, but the clue was in the context: he was only asked specifically about the first four Xbox titles coming to Sony’s system. Misleading, yes – but technically not a lie.

Of course, we’re still waiting to see which other Xbox games will come to PS5. We know DOOM: The Dark Ages is en route on day one, but speculation about titles like Forza Horizon 5, Microsoft Flight Simulator, and Starfield has come to nothing thus far. It does feel like the bulk of Microsoft’s output will be coming to PlayStation at this point, but until the titles are officially announced, we’ll have to wait and see.

Will you play Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on PS5? (2,330 votes)

  1. Definitely, assuming the reviews are good52%
  2. Maybe, I'm still not sure it's for me22%
  3. No, I'll be playing it on Xbox or PC13%
  4. Nah, I'm just not interested in Indy really13%

[source News: Indiana Jones Game Deal Amended to Exclude PS5, PS4]