Xbox Executive Says Exclusivity Will Be Considered on a Case-by-Case Basis
Microsoft's Xbox just scored a major win with "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle," a game that's got everyone talking and is a serious contender for Game of the Year. It's a bit of a bummer that it missed the cut for The Game Awards, launching just a couple of weeks too late. But hey, Microsoft, Bethesda, MachineGames, and Lucasfilm are all stoked about the game's reception.
After the reviews started rolling in, Xbox president of game content and studios Matt Booty sat down with Variety to chat about the game's success and the ever-present topic of exclusivity. He made it clear that Xbox isn't sticking to a rigid policy, instead opting for a more flexible approach.
"We're making exclusivity and release window decisions on a game-by-game basis," Booty said. "Each of our studios is in a different position, and production timelines play a big part. We want to make sure Xbox players get the best experience, and then the gap between when it comes to PlayStation is as much a production decision as anything else. This particular game was in development before we acquired Bethesda, so it wasn't originally planned as an Xbox exclusive."
This statement feels like a bit of a shift compared to what Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer said recently about there being no "red lines" when it comes to Xbox exclusives hitting other consoles.
It's a bit of a complex situation with "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle." As Booty mentioned, the game was already in development before Microsoft snagged Bethesda, so it wasn't initially meant to be an Xbox exclusive. But Microsoft decided to make it an Xbox and PC launch to give Game Pass a boost. To make that happen, they had to tweak the contract with Lucasfilm (and Disney).
Microsoft's stance on exclusivity has been changing a lot in recent months, with games like "Sea of Thieves," "Hi-Fi Rush," "Pentiment," and "Grounded" all making their way to other platforms. That's why it was a bit surprising when "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" got a simultaneous release announcement for PC and Xbox, along with a release window for PlayStation 5. It left some Xbox fans scratching their heads.
After Spencer's comments, it seemed like there were no limits anymore, but Booty's words leave some room for Microsoft to hold onto some exclusives. The general trend, though, is to make as much money as possible by releasing games on as many platforms as possible.
Their next big console exclusive is Obsidian's "Avowed," which is set to drop on February 18 for PC and Xbox Series S|X.
What do you think about Xbox's evolving approach to exclusivity? Do you think it's a good thing for gamers? Let us know in the comments below!
