Despite a strong presentation during the 2024 Xbox Developer Direct, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle faced considerable skepticism among gamers. A primary concern stemmed from the developer, MachineGames, which had little experience in creating fast-paced, cinematic tie-in games. Their recent title, the 2019 co-op shooter Wolfenstein: Youngblood, received a lukewarm reception from critics. Furthermore, the direction of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle did not align with gamers’ expectations. Instead of adopting a third-person model reminiscent of the Uncharted series, MachineGames opted for a slower-paced, first-person gameplay experience.
However, upon its release in December 2024, the game defied initial doubts and received overwhelming acclaim from both critics and fans of the franchise alike. Many hailed it as a potential Game of the Year contender. One drawback, nonetheless, was its exclusive launch on Xbox Series X/S and PC, which left PlayStation players waiting. If MachineGames chooses to develop a sequel to Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, ensuring a simultaneous launch across all major platforms would be essential.
The Case for a Fully Multiplatform Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Sequel
The Initial Plan for a Day-One Release on PS5 Changed After Microsoft’s Involvement
At first, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was set for a simultaneous launch on all current-generation platforms, including the PlayStation 5. However, after the acquisition of MachineGames and Bethesda Softworks by Microsoft in 2021, the situation evolved. Details revealed during the Activision-Blizzard trial in 2023 indicated that Microsoft restructured Bethesda’s contract with Lucasfilm and Disney to solidify the game’s status as an Xbox exclusive. This move aligned with Microsoft’s broader strategy to prioritize the availability of Bethesda titles on Game Pass consoles.
Microsoft’s Shift Towards Multiplatform Releases Suggests Promise for an Indy Sequel
However, following the conclusion of the Activision Blizzard acquisition in 2023, Microsoft adopted a new approach to exclusivity. By early 2024, it announced plans to distribute four of its titles on PlayStation and Nintendo platforms. Notably, during the Gamescom event that same year, it was confirmed that Indiana Jones and the Great Circle would make its way to PlayStation 5 in Spring 2025, just months following its Xbox debut.
This strategic shift indicates Microsoft’s commitment to expanding access to its games across various platforms, as they also announced day-and-date launches for several anticipated first-party games such as Ninja Gaiden 4, Doom: The Dark Ages, and The Outer Worlds 2. Consequently, this raises the possibility that a potential sequel to Indiana Jones and the Great Circle could similarly launch across all systems simultaneously.
Short-Term Exclusivity of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Lacks Benefits for Microsoft and Gamers
Continuing the exclusive release strategy observed with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle for only a few months does not seem beneficial either for Microsoft or gamers. Exclusivity doesn’t provide sufficient incentive to purchase an Xbox console, and delaying the game’s availability on other platforms could hinder overall sales potential. Thus, launching the eventual sequel on PlayStation 5 and possibly even the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 on day-one could represent a prudent choice from both a consumer satisfaction and business perspective.
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