MachineGames’ future Indiana Jones release will be an Xbox and PC exclusive, according to Bethesda. The revelation came as part of witness testimony in the ongoing FTC v. Microsoft hearing, in which the FTC is attempting to halt the Activision Blizzard merger. It’s worth noting that until today’s meeting, nothing was known about the allegedly ambitious Indiana Jones game, specifically its platform availability.
While many expected Microsoft to provide an update on MachinesGames’ project during the just finished Xbox demonstration, the firm has been mostly mute. However, according to a job offering from last year, the Indiana Jones game may incorporate multiplayer and companions as part of the gameplay. Of course, neither the studio nor Microsoft has officially verified or provided any specifics about the title. Regardless, Bethesda’s latest disclosure is sure to provoke debate among many gamers.
As part of the ongoing FTC v. Microsoft case, Bethesda’s head of worldwide publishing Pete Hines revealed that MachineGames’ Indiana Jones will be exclusive to Xbox and PC, and will be available on Game Pass from the start.
During the same witness evidence, the FTC counsel stated that Disney previously had a multi-platform arrangement for the game, which was changed following Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda. When asked about the change, Hines stated that Bethesda was “reducing risk and trying to get to a degree of certainty” by bringing Indiana Jones to Xbox Game Pass.
However, Indiana Jones isn’t the only Bethesda game that has been released exclusively for the Xbox in recent years. After Microsoft acquired ZeniMax Media for $7.5 billion in 2021, both Redfall and Starfield were made exclusive to Xbox and PC.
According to the FTC, if Microsoft acquires Activision Blizzard, it may pursue a similar method. Although Microsoft’s compliance with EU rules on the Activision acquisition and its 10-year Call of Duty deal with Sony may favor the Xbox maker.
The Indiana Jones game is in development for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
