Phil Spencer’s Confidence in Partnership

In a recent exclusive interview, Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, expressed strong confidence in the partnership between Microsoft and Disney for their upcoming projects, highlighting the exciting developments involving iconic franchises like Indiana Jones and Blade. Despite the gaming landscape being dominated by PlayStation's long-term deals with prominent Disney-owned Marvel heroes, such as Spider-Man and Wolverine, Microsoft is charting its own course with these beloved properties.

Spencer’s Excitement and Perspectives

Spencer shared his positive sentiments about working with Disney and Lucasfilm, stating, "I feel great about our partnership with Lucas and Disney. They’ve been good partners. We're obviously doing Blade with Arkane Lyon with them. I was just out there visiting with that team." His excitement is palpable, primarily due to the dedication and passion that the developers have for these franchises.

Concerns Over Licensed Games

While Spencer has often voiced reservations about licensed games, which can lead to complications such as delisting when licenses expire, he views his collaboration with Disney as a special case. The fervor that the team at MachineGames has for Indiana Jones, in particular, has made him more open to exploring licensed titles. He emphasized, "What you see in Indiana Jones is a team that really loves Indiana Jones and that world. The story is, to me, one of the strongest parts of that game—the way you feel like you're Indiana Jones from a first-person perspective. It’s clear that's something they wanted to do."

Release Dates and Special Promotions

Fans of the franchise have something to look forward to, as "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" is set to launch on Xbox Series X|S and PC on December 9. However, PlayStation 5 users will need to be patient, as their version won't arrive until Spring 2025. In a clever marketing twist, Microsoft's collaboration with IHOP has led to the creation of an Indiana Jones-themed menu, which launched on November 18. This promotion allows members of IHOP's International Bank of Pancakes (IBOP) to collect "PanCoins" from their receipts, which can be exchanged for Xbox-themed prizes, including limited-edition cups featuring designs inspired by Indiana Jones, Halo Infinite, and Sea of Thieves, designed by Xbox artist Matt Taylor.

Looking Ahead

As Microsoft and Disney continue to innovate and deliver content, fans are eager to see how these legendary properties will be reimagined in the gaming world. Stay tuned, as there may be even more surprises awaiting both Xbox and Disney enthusiasts in the near future!