It would appear that now is a great time to be an Indiana Jones fan. With the latest movie, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, set to arrive in theatres soon, there has also been more news regarding the Bethesda video game for the IP. The upcoming Indiana Jones game has been revealed to be an Xbox console exclusive, an interesting tidbit that got uncovered due to the ongoing Microsoft and Activision Blizzard Federal Trade Commission hearing in the U.S.
This information was shared by the Head of Publishing, Pete Hines, who was speaking at the hearing. While exclusivity is nothing new, this reveal was still a surprise. The original agreement with Disney was for the game to launch on multiple console platforms, but the acquisition of ZeniMax Media, Bethesda’s parent company, by Microsoft, led to further questions on this front.
Disney predictably had questions on how the acquisition would impact the Indiana Jones game, with the contract eventually amended to state that it will be an Xbox console exclusive game moving forward.
“While it is not in our messaging, I think it is important to highlight that Lucasfilm brought up the issue of platforms because we have a signed agreement with them to develop the game for multiple consoles,” read an email between Hines, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer, and other executives. “Truthfully, we also kind of liked the idea of embracing, bringing it to Game Pass and how many players we could get there,” Hine added.
The promise of more players being able to enjoy the Indiana Jones game via Game Pass, the resources of Microsoft, and a goal to help “reduce risk” for Disney meant the important decision was made. As such, fans on consoles outside of the Xbox ecosystem will no longer be able to play the game. That said, it will still come to PC.
The game is being developed by MachineGames, the studio responsible for the most recent Wolfenstein games, and will be doing so under Disney’s Lucasfilm Games label.
Jake is a full-time trophy hunter and achievement gatherer on consoles, and part-time Steam Sale victim. He has a thing for Batman and awesome statues, and running out of space for both. Send help.
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