Xbox boss Phil Spencer comments on licensed games

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Key things

  • Xbox boss Phil Spencer is wary of licensed games due to licensing issues, favoring creative reasons.
  • Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is an exception from Spencer's point of view because it is being developed by a passionate team and is not tied to any particular film.
  • Spencer is confident about the Indiana Jones license and emphasizes the importance of strong relationships.



Xbox boss Phil Spencer explained why he is concerned about the production of licensed video games and outlined why Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is an exception to this rule. Bethesda is coming Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will be released on December 9, first on Xbox and PC, with a PlayStation 5 port coming later in 2025. Big circle is the first Indiana Jones licensed game since 2011 Indiana Jones Adventure World.

Licensed video games are a tricky beast. Historically, video games based on movies weren't very desirable because they were mostly low-quality and only meant to tie in with the latest thing to hit theaters. The practice shifted around the mid-to-late 2000s, when developers and publishers devoted their resources to other ways of producing licensed video games, usually making their own stuff based on IP. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is one such example, as it is not a game based on a specific film from the franchise, but takes inspiration from its history to create something new. Xbox boss Phil Spencer recently discussed the challenges of creating licensed games.


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In an interview with Game File (courtesy of IGN), Spencer discussed the complex nature of licensed games and how to place them on streaming and subscription services like Xbox Game Pass. The main reason Spencer is so hesitant about licensed games is specifically the racing games that are being delisted because the company is losing licenses. The most immediate and relevant example regarding Spencer's statement is how Xbox owns it Forza Horizon 4 will be retired on December 15, even though the game was a huge success after its original release in 2018. “We've seen it in racing games that have to be taken down because you lose certain licenses,” Spencer said. “So I'm always very careful if we take license that we're doing it for creative reasons.” [that] the team has a goal around what they want to do.”



Licensed games require passionate teams, says Phil Spencer

Another reason why Spencer is so hesitant about licensed games is that it requires a creative team that is passionate about the license. Indiana Jones and the Great Circlewhich is being developed by MachineGames under the supervision of Lucasfilm Games, is an example of what Spencer is looking for. Spencer says the developers at MachineGames really “love” the world Indiana Jonespraises the story Big circle saying it's one of its strongest parts, especially with how the game puts players in the shoes of Indiana Jones through a first-person perspective.

We've seen it in racing games that have to be removed because you lose certain licenses. So I'm always very careful if we take license that we're doing it for creative reasons, [that] the team has a goal around what they want to do.


When asked if Spencer was concerned whether the license for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Spencer says she feels “great” about it. Xboxpartnership with Lucasfilm and Disney. To confirm the strong relationship between the companies, he mentions how Arkane is still evolving Marvel's Blade and that the development team recently visited.

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