Seattle, Washington – A recent series of leaks over the weekend appears to have significant implications for Microsoft’s future plans regarding its Xbox console. Reports from various sources suggest that two major releases from Bethesda, “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle” and “Starfield,” may both be heading to the PlayStation 5, adding to a growing number of rumors about Xbox exclusivity.
According to The Verge, a source close to Bethesda indicated that there are considerations to release the new Indiana Jones game on PlayStation 5 after its initial launch on PC and Xbox Series X/S in 2024. This development is particularly noteworthy given the game’s original intent to launch on PlayStation 5 prior to Xbox’s acquisition of Bethesda in 2021.
Similarly, XboxEra reported that sources have informed them of plans for a PlayStation 5 port of “Starfield” following the launch of its “Shattered Space” DLC later in 2024. The report also suggests that Microsoft has invested in additional PlayStation 5 dev kits to facilitate these efforts.
These rumors come after weeks of speculation about other potential PlayStation ports from Bethesda’s studios, such as the rhythm action game “Hi-Fi Rush” and Rare’s multiplayer pirate game “Sea of Thieves.” The implications of these leaks and rumors have sparked discussions about Microsoft’s stance on exclusivity and its potential impact on the gaming industry.
Despite Xbox’s prior messaging about not every game from its newly acquired subsidiaries being exclusive to Xbox and PC, these developments point to a possible shift in approach. This has raised concerns among some Xbox fans who were averse to the idea of their favorite games appearing on rival consoles.
It is clear that Microsoft is navigating a delicate balance between exclusivity and multi-platform availability, walking a fine line to maximize profitability while maintaining the loyalty of its fan base. The repercussions of these potential developments could have far-reaching implications for the gaming landscape and the dynamics of platform exclusivity. As such, it will be interesting to see how Microsoft addresses these leaks and rumors in the coming weeks.
We have reached out to Xbox for comment and will update this story accordingly.