Indiana Jones and the Great Circle PS5 sales show not all Xbox Game Pass games need the service
Sales data is already rolling in following the Indiana Jones and the Great Circle PS5 release date on April 17th. The action-adventure title has sold 117,200 copies on Sony's PlayStation console. Alinea Analytics reveals that the game is ahead of its Steam sales pace after its November 2024 debut. Other statistics demonstrate Indiana Jones and the Great Circle's reliance on Xbox Game Pass before appearing on the PS5.
Seven days after its November release, 91,200 Steam users had bought the day-one Xbox Game Pass game. Unfortunately, the site doesn't have data for Xbox and PC purchases outside Valve's marketplace. Still, slightly under 5 million players have played Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on Xbox platforms. Alinea Analytics believes that a large chunk of gamers experienced the title through a Game Pass subscription.
In this instance, Microsoft owns Bethesda, so the company wants new subscribers. Even so, it's debatable whether Game Pass is a profitable way for publishers to distribute games. Single-player, non-live service titles are particularly appealing to play on a subscription. Gamers can complete the Indiana Jones and the Great Circle main campaign in 15-20 hours. Embarking on a cinematic adventure for a month costs far less than buying a game outright. Yet, without Game Pass as an option on Sony's console, the Indiana Jones and the Great Circle PS5 port is attracting buyers.
Even Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer admits that Xbox Game Pass has limited appeal. During a Variety interview, Spencer explained that the service doesn't make sense for gamers without much spare time. If someone plays only a few titles yearly, that individual may prefer to purchase those games.
The Indiana Jones and the Great Circle PS5 sales indicate that the traditional model of selling games remains popular. Alinea Analytics warned against over-dependence on subscriptions. Many Xbox Game Pass games could generate potentially higher profits without the service.
Source(s)
