Xbox's exclusive shift on Indiana Jones & the Great Circle

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Xbox revealed a bit more about its upcoming titles at Gamescom this week, including Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. In addition to some gameplay, we also got a release date for the title on Xbox consoles and PC … as well as a release window for its launch on PlayStation 5. This seemingly contradicts a previous statement from Phil Spencer that Great Circle wouldn’t be a multiplatform release — or at least, that Xbox was not wavering in its commitment to console exclusivity.

Spencer later said in an interview that “we run a business” at Xbox, and they were always looking for ways to make their franchises stronger while under increasing industry pressure to grow. “I think us – as fans, as players of games – we just have to anticipate there’s going be more change, and how some of the traditional ways that games are built and distributed – that’s gonna change. That’s gonna change for all of us. But the end result has to be better games that more people can play. If we’re not focused on that, I think we’re focused on the wrong things.”

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I’m a bit curious though, why they didn’t hold news of a PlayStation launch until after the game released on Xbox? Perhaps the anticipation of a multiplatform release is better for Xbox than pretending it’s still going to be a console exclusive. I do recall that Great Circle was originally supposed to be a multiplatform launch before Xbox acquired Bethesda, so perhaps we gamers come out on top in the end even after all of that corporate poppycock.

In personal news, I’m still reeling from everything bleeding in at Gamescom. The new footage of Monster Hunter Wilds was probably my favorite part of the event, but I’d be lying if I said that Avowed didn’t also pique my interest. As for what I’m going to be playing, I’m debating whether or not I should dip into Black Myth: Wukong — the game doesn’t fall into a set of genres I usually enjoy, but I do enjoy the Journey to the West-inspired story. I’ve also been personally recommended Tactical Breach Wizards, so I’ll also probably give that one a try.

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