In a highly anticipated update to the iconic Indiana Jones franchise, MachineGames is preparing to deliver what many believe will be the most authentic adventure yet. Scheduled for release this December, **Indiana Jones and the Great Circle** is generating significant excitement among fans eager for an immersive experience.
We spoke with design director Jens Andersson, who revealed that working on this game has been a childhood dream come true for him. “It’s one of those properties you think you’ll never get the chance to work on,” he said, his enthusiasm unmistakable as he reflected on the game’s origins. He pointed back to a pivotal moment in 1977, when George Lucas and Steven Spielberg first pitched the idea of an archaeologist named Indiana Smith—an idea that eventually blossomed into a cultural phenomenon.
Andersson emphasized that the team isn’t just aiming to tap into nostalgia; they’ve been closely collaborating with Lucasfilm Games to pull from a treasure trove of previously unseen materials. “We’ve been in weekly meetings with Lucasfilm,” he explained. “They’ve shared old concept art and rare set photographs that have really informed our approach to the game.”
Set a year after **Raiders of the Lost Ark**, the story begins with Indy navigating the aftermath of a breakup before diving into a mystery surrounding a stolen artifact. “It’s a standard break-up story, really,” Andersson laughed, noting how the narrative intertwines with famous historical locations while pitting Indy against a rival archaeologist.
Creative director Axel Torvenius discussed the team’s commitment to ensuring that the game feels like a true Indiana Jones adventure. “Raiders is the definitive representation of Indiana Jones, so we made it our main reference,” he shared. Players will journey through various environments—from Connecticut and the Vatican to the bustling streets of Shanghai and the temples of Thailand—capturing the globe-trotting essence of Indy’s escapades.
One standout feature of **The Great Circle** is its combination of a linear main quest with open-world elements. “Players are encouraged to explore and engage in side-quests, much like classic LucasArts adventure games,” Andersson explained. “You might encounter a mystery and be prompted to solve it, which leads to rewards.”
In contrast to the intense action found in titles like **Wolfenstein**, players will need to rely on stealth and cunning while taking on the role of Indy. “We have this escalation-based idea for tackling scenarios,” Andersson noted. If stealth tactics don’t work, players can opt for combat, but pulling out the revolver should be a last resort—encouraging a more strategic approach to gameplay.
As discussions continue about the realistic portrayal of characters in video games, particularly following the release of 2023’s **Dial of Destiny**, Andersson reassured fans that visual quality is improving. “We’re hitting a great visual bar,” he stated, highlighting the impressive performance of voice actor Troy Baker, who brings a new depth to the character of Indy.
Todd Howard, renowned for his work on **Fallout** and **Skyrim**, plays a crucial role in the project. Having dreamed of creating an Indiana Jones game since 2009, he’s thrilled to see his vision come to life with MachineGames. “It’s taken a long time, but I think what will surprise people is how authentic this feels,” Torvenius concluded. “If you’re an Indiana Jones fan, this will definitely be your fix.”
**Indiana Jones and the Great Circle** is set to launch on December 6 for PC and Xbox, with a PlayStation 5 release planned for 2025. This interview was conducted at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, with travel and accommodation expenses covered by the event.
