Licensed games can be a great way to generate interest in a high-profile property, but they can also be fraught with various stakeholders weighing in on its innovative direction. Xbox CEO Phil Spencer is aware of these challenges, which is one of the reasons he’s “not the biggest fan” of putting resources into licensed games.
Talking to Game file bulletinSpencer talked about some of the “complexities” involved in creating licensed games, especially when it comes to making them available on subscription or streaming services.
Although Spencer did not state it directly, Ubisoft cited “licensing restrictions” as one of the reasons for removing The Crew. First-party Xbox Forza Horizon games have also been removed from the list due to license expiration.
As for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, which is in development with support from Lucasfilm Games, Spencer says MachineGames’ passion for the property was reason enough to acquire the license.
As for whether the Indiana Jones license could finally expire, Spencer said: “I feel great about our partnership with Lucas and Disney and that aspect. They were good partners. Of course we are doing well. Arkane Lyon blade with them. That’s where I was visiting with this band.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will be released on December 9 on Xbox and PC, with a PS5 release scheduled for Spring 2025. You can read the full hands-on preview here.
Kat Bailey is IGN’s news director and co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Got a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.