PlayStation fans can finally mark their calendars—Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is officially coming to PS5 on April 17, 2025. This follows the game’s original release on Xbox Series X|S and PC back on December 9, 2024, ending a timed-exclusive period and opening the adventure to a much wider audience.
But beyond the date itself, this release tells a bigger story about the future of Xbox, Bethesda, and how platform exclusivity is being redefined.
A Shift in Microsoft’s Strategy
When Microsoft acquired ZeniMax Media—the parent company of Bethesda Softworks—in 2021 for a staggering $7.5 billion, the assumption was clear: Bethesda’s biggest titles would become Xbox exclusives. And for a while, that held true. Starfield remained an Xbox-only experience, and speculation swirled around which titles would follow suit.
But fast forward to 2025, and the landscape is changing. According to Xbox chief Phil Spencer, bringing Indiana Jones and the Great Circle to PS5 is part of a broader strategy: “We see the opportunity to bring more games to more people. It’s good for players, it’s good for the industry.”
Microsoft has recently confirmed that four major Xbox titles would be heading to other platforms, and Indiana Jones is one of the most high-profile among them. This move suggests a pivot toward sustainability and long-term engagement, especially as Xbox aims to expand beyond the confines of its own hardware.
What PS5 Players Can Expect
The PS5 release of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle won’t be just a direct port. It comes with full feature parity and some exciting additions that will be available across all platforms. Two new whip abilities—Open Season and Sleight of Hand—are being added to enhance gameplay depth:
- Open Season increases damage against enemies after an initial whip strike.
- Sleight of Hand lets Indy disarm enemies and pull their weapons toward him, adding a flashy tactical option.
The game will also be released in several editions:
- Standard Edition: Includes the base game.
- Premium Edition: Adds the “Order of Giants” story expansion, the Temple of Doom outfit, a digital art book, and two days of early access starting April 15, 2025.
- Collector’s Edition: Physical-only, with a 28 cm globe puzzle, an Allmaker Relic replica, a Steelbook case, and a digital Premium Edition code.
All pre-orders will also include The Last Crusade Pack, featuring a travel suit and lion tamer whip, directly referencing the iconic 1989 film.
Story, Setting & Reception So Far
The Great Circle takes place in 1937, slotting itself between the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade. Indy—voiced and modeled after a younger Harrison Ford—is joined by Italian investigative journalist Gina Lombardi as they confront a Nazi plot tied to a mysterious global phenomenon.
The narrative spans multiple continents, from the Vatican to the Himalayas, and combines first-person action with cinematic set pieces. Critics and players alike have praised the game’s blend of classic Uncharted-style exploration with immersive Wolfenstein-esque action, which isn’t surprising given developer MachineGames’ pedigree.
On Metacritic, the Xbox and PC versions currently sit in the “generally favorable” category, while Steam users have given it a “Very Positive” rating. Much of the praise goes toward the whip mechanics, puzzle-solving elements, and its faithful Indiana Jones atmosphere.
The Bigger Picture
This PS5 release isn’t just about Indy—it’s about the direction Microsoft is heading. While the company is still holding on to key exclusives, titles like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle represent a calculated move to reach more players without sacrificing platform loyalty.
With early access on April 15 and the full launch on April 17, PlayStation fans are finally getting their chance to don the fedora and crack the whip—and perhaps witness the start of a more inclusive era of blockbuster gaming.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will release on PS5 on April 17, 2025, approximately 4-5 months after its Xbox and PC debut.
- Microsoft is selectively bringing certain Bethesda titles to PlayStation while maintaining timed exclusivity for Xbox.
- This multi-platform strategy represents a business shift for Microsoft that potentially benefits gamers across different console ecosystems.
Background of Indiana Jones Game Development
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle represents a significant collaboration between Bethesda and MachineGames, bringing the iconic archaeologist into modern gaming. The game’s development journey has been marked by studio expertise and creative adaptation of the beloved franchise.
The Development Team at MachineGames
MachineGames, the studio behind Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, has established a strong reputation in the gaming industry. Founded in 2009 by former Starbreeze Studios developers, the team gained recognition for their work on the Wolfenstein series, demonstrating their skill with narrative-driven first-person action games.
The studio became part of Bethesda Softworks in 2010, and later joined the Microsoft family when the company acquired Bethesda’s parent company ZeniMax Media in 2021. MachineGames brings considerable technical expertise to the Indiana Jones project, particularly in creating atmospheric environments and compelling storytelling.
Their development philosophy emphasizes immersive single-player experiences with strong narrative elements, making them a natural fit for bringing Indiana Jones to life in a video game format.
Previous Indiana Jones Titles
The Indiana Jones franchise has a varied history in video games dating back to the early 1980s. Early titles included Atari’s Raiders of the Lost Ark (1982) and various adventure games from LucasArts such as Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis (1992), which is often considered a classic in the point-and-click adventure genre.
More recent attempts include LEGO Indiana Jones games, which offered a family-friendly take on the archaeologist’s adventures. The franchise has experienced periods of gaming dormancy, with few notable releases in the past decade.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle marks a significant return for the character in AAA game development. Unlike previous titles that often adapted movie plots, this new game presents an original story set between Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade, giving developers creative freedom while respecting established lore.
Release Strategy for Major Titles
Microsoft’s approach to releasing games across platforms has shifted significantly, with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle now confirmed for PlayStation 5 after its initial Xbox release.
Microsoft’s Approach to Xbox Exclusives
Microsoft has been reconsidering its exclusivity strategy for major titles. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, developed by Bethesda’s MachineGames, will launch on Xbox Series X/S and PC first, then arrive on PS5 in Spring 2025 (April 17). This represents a delay of several months between platforms.
This strategy isn’t isolated. Industry experts suggest Microsoft plans to bring all major titles to PS5 in 2025, marking a significant shift from their previous stance on exclusivity.
Xbox boss Matt Booty has commented on these decisions, acknowledging the business considerations behind platform releases. Phil Spencer also addressed this during a Microsoft gamescom 2024 livestream, explaining the rationale for Indiana Jones coming to PlayStation.
Other notable Xbox games that have crossed platforms include Starfield, Redfall, Pentiment, and Grounded. This growing trend indicates Microsoft’s recognition that broader distribution can increase profitability.
Relevance of Game Pass in Distribution
Game Pass remains central to Microsoft’s distribution strategy despite the multiplatform approach. The subscription service offers Xbox users day-one access to new releases, maintaining a competitive advantage even as games eventually release on other platforms.
For Indiana Jones specifically, Xbox and PC players will gain immediate access through Game Pass, while PlayStation users will purchase the game separately months later. This creates a two-tier release model that preserves some exclusivity value.
Microsoft’s $69 billion investment in the games industry necessitates maximizing returns across all potential platforms. Game Pass subscriptions provide a steady revenue stream, while later releases on PS5 capture additional sales from Sony’s large user base.
This hybrid approach balances exclusivity benefits with wider market reach. It suggests Microsoft sees Game Pass as complementary to, rather than competitive with, traditional sales models on other platforms.
Potential Platforms for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is set for a multi-platform release, with confirmed availability on Xbox ecosystem and a delayed launch for PlayStation 5. The timing and exclusivity details continue to evolve as Microsoft refines its approach to platform availability.
Speculations on Xbox Series S/X and PC Launch
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is scheduled to launch on Xbox Series S/X on December 9, 2024. This Monday release date will bring the adventure title to Microsoft’s current generation consoles as a first-party Xbox game.
The PC version will launch simultaneously, with confirmed availability through multiple channels. Players can access the game on:
- Steam
- Windows Store
- PC Game Pass
As a Microsoft first-party title, the game will be included in the Xbox Game Pass subscription service on day one. This gives subscribers immediate access without additional purchase.
The price point for standalone purchases hasn’t been officially announced, though typical new releases range between $59.99-$69.99. Pre-orders are not yet available for any platform as of February 2025.
Considerations for Cross-Platform Release
While initially launching as an Xbox ecosystem exclusive, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has been confirmed for PlayStation 5 release in Spring 2025. This represents a delay of approximately 3-4 months from the Xbox launch.
This staggered release approach aligns with Microsoft’s evolving multi-platform strategy for its first-party titles. The company has been experimenting with bringing previously exclusive games to PlayStation, though exact timing details remain flexible.
No confirmation exists regarding a potential Nintendo Switch version. Given the technical demands of modern action-adventure games, a Switch release seems unlikely without significant graphical compromises.
The cross-platform availability marks a shift in Microsoft’s exclusivity approach. Rather than keeping franchises permanently locked to Xbox, they’re adopting timed exclusivity for certain titles. This benefits both Microsoft through initial exclusive periods and PlayStation users who eventually gain access.
Insights on Indiana Jones Game Release Date
Microsoft’s upcoming Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has generated significant interest with its confirmed release strategy across multiple platforms. The rollout timeline reveals key decisions about market positioning and platform priorities.
Predictions Based on Past Bethesda Launches
Bethesda has established a pattern with its exclusive releases since being acquired by Microsoft. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will follow this trend with a December 9, 2024 launch on Xbox Series X|S and PC, including day one availability on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
The PS5 version has been confirmed for Spring 2025, creating approximately a 3-6 month exclusivity window for Microsoft platforms. This timeframe aligns with Microsoft’s evolving strategy for Bethesda titles, which has shifted from permanent exclusivity to timed exclusivity.
Previous Bethesda games like Starfield and Redfall remained Xbox/PC exclusive, making Indiana Jones the first major post-acquisition Bethesda title to receive a confirmed PS5 release date. This signals Microsoft’s more flexible approach to platform releases.
Impact of Industry Events on Reveals
The Gamescom Opening Night Live event proved pivotal for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle’s release strategy. Microsoft used this major industry showcase to announce the December 9 Xbox/PC release date alongside an impressive gameplay trailer.
The PS5 version announcement came during the same event, marking a significant shift in Microsoft’s communication strategy. Rather than leaving PlayStation owners uncertain, they provided a clear Spring 2025 timeline.
This transparency represents a new approach for Xbox head Phil Spencer and the Microsoft gaming division. Instead of keeping cross-platform plans vague, they’re now being upfront about release schedules across competing consoles.
Industry analysts suggest this strategy aims to generate initial Game Pass subscriptions while still capturing sales revenue from PlayStation’s large install base. The trailer’s positive reception has built anticipation for both platform releases.
Implications of Corporate Mergers and Acquisitions
Microsoft’s acquisition strategy has significant implications for game availability across platforms, affecting when titles like Indiana Jones might arrive on PlayStation 5. These corporate moves reshape the gaming landscape and influence platform exclusivity decisions.
Activision Blizzard Acquisition by Microsoft
Microsoft completed its acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023 after clearing regulatory hurdles with the FTC. This $68.7 billion deal represented one of the largest acquisitions in gaming history and expanded Microsoft’s gaming portfolio significantly.
The acquisition brought major franchises like Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush under Microsoft’s control. Despite initial concerns about exclusivity, Microsoft committed to keeping Call of Duty available on PlayStation platforms for at least 10 years.
This precedent suggests Microsoft may follow a similar approach with other major acquisitions. The company appears to balance platform exclusivity with broader market accessibility for certain high-profile franchises.
Microsoft’s strategy seems to distinguish between established multi-platform franchises and new intellectual properties when making exclusivity decisions.
The Impact of ZeniMax on Game Availability
Microsoft’s $7.5 billion acquisition of ZeniMax Media in 2021 provides insight into how the company might handle Indiana Jones game distribution. ZeniMax, parent company of Bethesda Softworks, brought valuable franchises like Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, and DOOM into Microsoft’s portfolio.
Following this acquisition, Microsoft made several key ZeniMax titles Xbox and PC exclusives. Starfield and Redfall became console exclusives, never releasing on PlayStation platforms.
However, Microsoft maintained multiplatform support for some existing games with prior PlayStation commitments. Deathloop and Ghostwire: Tokyo remained timed PlayStation exclusives due to pre-acquisition agreements.
For new IPs developed after the acquisition, Microsoft has generally favored Xbox exclusivity. This pattern suggests Indiana Jones, as a new game project, will likely follow Xbox’s exclusivity strategy rather than seeing an immediate PS5 release.
Frequently Asked Questions
Microsoft’s plans for bringing Indiana Jones and the Great Circle to PlayStation 5 have generated numerous questions from eager fans. The company has made several announcements regarding the game’s release schedule and platform availability.
What is the expected release date of Indiana Jones on PS5?
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is expected to release on PS5 on April 17, 2025. This comes about 4 months after its Xbox Series X|S and PC launch that came out on December 9, 2024.
Are there any plans for an Indiana Jones game release on PlayStation 5?
Yes, Microsoft has officially confirmed that Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will be released on PlayStation 5. This confirmation came after the initial announcement of the Xbox and PC versions.
The game will first debut on Xbox Series X|S and PC before making its way to PS5. This staggered release approach maintains some exclusivity for Xbox while eventually bringing the title to PlayStation users.
Can we anticipate any exclusive features for Indiana Jones on PS5?
Specific PS5 features for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle have not been revealed at this time. Microsoft and Bethesda haven’t shared details about potential PlayStation 5-specific enhancements or features.
The game might utilize PS5 capabilities such as DualSense controller feedback or 3D audio, but no official information has been provided. More details may emerge closer to the PS5 release date.
Has there been an official announcement regarding the PS5 version of the new Indiana Jones game?
Yes, Microsoft has officially confirmed that Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will come to PlayStation 5. This announcement came after the initial reveal of the game as an Xbox and PC title.
Xbox boss Matt Booty has publicly addressed the decision to bring the game to PS5. The official confirmation indicates Microsoft’s strategic approach to multi-platform releases for certain titles.
What are the reasons for the delay of the Indiana Jones game on PS5?
According to Xbox boss Matt Booty, the additional time taken to launch the PS5 version is designed to ensure the original Xbox release arrives as a “great experience.” Microsoft wants to focus on delivering a polished product for its primary platform first.
The company appears to be balancing platform exclusivity with broader market reach. This approach allows Microsoft to highlight Xbox while still capitalizing on the PlayStation user base.
Will the PS5 version of Indiana Jones include additional content or enhancements over other platforms?
There is currently no official information suggesting the PS5 version of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will include additional content or enhancements compared to Xbox or PC versions.
The game is being developed by Machine Games, known for the Wolfenstein series. Given the delay between platform releases, there remains a possibility that the PS5 version could include refinements based on feedback from the earlier Xbox and PC release.
