An Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Sequel Has an Easy Way to One-Up the Original
Why making the sequel fully multiplatform could be a game-changer for both fans and Microsoft.
Although Indiana Jones and the Great Circle made waves during the 2024 Xbox Developer Direct, skepticism loomed large for several reasons. For one, the game's developer, MachineGames, was unproven in the realm of high-energy, movie-based action games. Its previous title, Wolfenstein: Youngblood (2019), a co-op shooter, had received critical backlash. On top of that, fans were thrown off by MachineGames' decision to go with a first-person, slower-paced gameplay design instead of the anticipated third-person, Uncharted-style action-adventure.
Despite these concerns, when Indiana Jones and the Great Circle launched in December 2024, it defied expectations. Critics and fans alike were impressed, and some even hailed it as a Game of the Year contender. However, there was one notable downside: the game was initially exclusive to Xbox Series X/S and PC, leaving PlayStation players waiting. If a sequel is in the works, MachineGames should consider releasing it across all platforms on day-one to avoid repeating this exclusionary approach.
A Fully Multiplatform Indiana Jones Sequel Could Be a Win-Win
Why Exclusivity Hurts
Initially, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was set to launch on PlayStation 5 alongside Xbox Series X/S, but when MachineGames and Bethesda were acquired by Microsoft in 2021, everything changed. Through a contract renegotiation with Lucasfilm and Disney, Microsoft secured permanent Xbox exclusivity for the game. This move was in line with the company's broader strategy of making most Bethesda games available only on platforms supporting Game Pass.
However, Microsoft's position on exclusivity has shifted dramatically since then. In early 2024, the company made waves by announcing plans to release several of its titles across PlayStation and Nintendo consoles. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle itself is now slated for a Spring 2025 release on PS5, just a few months after its Xbox debut. This signals a change in Microsoft's approach, aiming to bring more of its games to a wider audience rather than keeping them confined to Xbox.
A Sign of Things to Come
Microsoft's pivot has made it clear that they are prioritizing broader accessibility, as evidenced by the forthcoming releases of titles like Ninja Gaiden 4, Doom: The Dark Ages, and The Outer Worlds 2 across PlayStation, Xbox, and even Nintendo platforms. This could very well set the stage for an Indiana Jones sequel to drop simultaneously on all major consoles.
The Case for a Multiplatform Release
Releasing Indiana Jones and the Great Circle's sequel across all platforms from day one makes perfect sense for both Microsoft and its fans. Exclusive releases, especially those only lasting a few months, fail to provide a strong enough incentive for gamers to purchase an Xbox console over a PlayStation or PC. Not to mention, limiting a game’s availability can harm its sales potential. By offering the sequel on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and potentially the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, Microsoft would maximize both revenue and the game's overall reach, benefiting everyone in the long run.
In conclusion, a fully multiplatform Indiana Jones and the Great Circle sequel is not only the right move for expanding the game's fanbase, but it would also be a savvy business decision. With the changing landscape of Microsoft’s approach to exclusivity, it’s time for Indiana Jones to be enjoyed by all, no matter their console of choice.