The latest installment in the iconic adventure franchise, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, is making waves not just for its globe-trotting escapades but for its surprising sales performance on PlayStation 5. According to a recent analysis by Alinea Analytics, the game is selling nearly twice as fast on Sony’s console compared to Xbox Series X|S and Steam since its launch last month. The data, first reported by Pure Xbox, suggests a growing appetite for Xbox-owned titles on rival platforms—and raises questions about whether all first-party Microsoft games need to lean on Game Pass to succeed.
Developed by MachineGames, The Great Circle debuted simultaneously on Xbox, PC, and PS5, breaking from Microsoft’s traditional strategy of reserving tentpole franchises like Halo or Forza for its own ecosystem. While the title is available on Game Pass, its strong standalone sales—particularly on PS5—hint at a broader shift. Analysts point to PlayStation’s larger installed base and brand loyalty as key factors, with many fans opting to purchase the game outright rather than subscribe to Microsoft’s service.
This trend aligns with comments from Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer, who recently hinted at a more flexible approach to exclusivity. In a wide-ranging interview with Variety, Spencer emphasized the company’s focus on “meeting players where they are,” citing upcoming projects like the Minecraft movie and Fallout Season 2 as examples of expanding IP reach beyond traditional gaming platforms. “Our goal isn’t to limit experiences but to grow them,” he said, signaling a potential pivot toward multiplatform releases even for major franchises.
The success of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on PS5 challenges the long-held assumption that Game Pass cannibalizes game sales. Instead, it suggests that high-profile titles can thrive both as subscription offerings and premium purchases, depending on the audience. For Microsoft, this could pave the way for more dual releases, leveraging PlayStation’s massive user base while still bolstering Game Pass’s value for Xbox loyalists.
As the industry watches closely, the lesson seems clear: in an era of fragmented platforms and diverse player preferences, flexibility—not rigid exclusivity—may be the key to unlocking blockbuster success.
