Swedish game developer MachineGames, known for their work on the rebooted Wolfenstein series, is embarking on a new adventure with the highly anticipated ”Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.” The studio aims to break the curse of mediocre Indiana Jones games that have plagued the franchise for decades, promising a high-quality experience that captures the essence of the iconic archaeologist. The team’s confidence is palpable, with Axel Torvenius, responsible for visuals, sound, and animation, proclaiming it the best game he’s ever worked on. Their ambition is backed by substantial investment and access to a wealth of resources, including Lucasfilm’s archives and a meticulously crafted 3D model of a young Harrison Ford.
This meticulous attention to detail extends to the game’s character portrayal. While Harrison Ford’s likeness and voice are central to the experience, renowned voice actor Troy Baker, known for his work in titles like ”The Last of Us,” embodies Indiana Jones through performance capture, providing not only the voice but also the facial expressions and body language. This combined approach, using both advanced technology and skilled performance, allows the game to capture the nuances of Ford’s portrayal while also allowing for the dynamic physicality required for a video game. The supporting cast is equally impressive, featuring Alessandra Mastronardi as Gina Lombardi and Marios Gavrilis as Emmerich Voss, further enriching the narrative tapestry of the game.
MachineGames’ approach to development emphasizes efficiency. Despite being a smaller studio compared to those typically handling such large-scale projects, they leverage a network of understudios in the Czech Republic, Hungary, and England. Director Jerk Gustafsson attributes their success to a focused and disciplined approach, ensuring that every effort counts and minimizing wasted resources. This streamlined development process allows them to maximize their creative output within a reasonable timeframe. The team draws inspiration from classic adventure games like ”Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis” and ”The Chronicles of Riddick,” while incorporating modern gameplay mechanics reminiscent of ”Uncharted” and ”Tomb Raider.”
The game’s first-person perspective is a defining feature, offering a level of immersion that places the player directly in Indiana Jones’ shoes. Torvenius describes this as creating a sense of intimacy, allowing players to practically feel the ancient temple walls and interact with the environment in a more visceral way. This perspective also enhances the combat experience, making every punch landed on a villain feel impactful and satisfying. The narrative is further enhanced by over 3.5 hours of cinematic cutscenes, equivalent to the length of two feature films, demonstrating the team’s commitment to storytelling and world-building.
The world of ”Indiana Jones and the Great Circle” draws inspiration from the concept of a straight line encircling the Earth, connecting iconic locations such as Giza, Easter Island, Sukhothai, and Machu Picchu. Several of these locations are featured in the game, promising an adventurous journey across the globe. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Gordy Haab, known for his work on ”Jedi: Survivor” and ”Star Wars: Battlefront,” was recorded by a symphony orchestra at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London and Vienna, ensuring a cinematic audio experience that complements the game’s visuals and narrative.
MachineGames, founded in 2009 by former Starbreeze developers, has become a prominent studio within the gaming industry. Following their acquisition by Zenimax/Bethesda in 2010 and the subsequent purchase of Zenimax/Bethesda by Microsoft in 2021, the studio now operates under the Microsoft umbrella. With their headquarters in Uppsala, Sweden, and a satellite office in Sundsvall, the company employs around 180 individuals. Their previous work on the critically acclaimed ”Wolfenstein: The New Order,” ”Wolfenstein: The New Colossus,” and ”Wolfenstein: Youngblood/Cyberpilot” has established their reputation for creating immersive and engaging first-person shooter experiences. ”Indiana Jones and the Great Circle” is set to launch on PC and Xbox Series X/S on December 9th, with a PlayStation 5 release planned for the following year. The game will also be available on the Game Pass subscription service from day one, offering players another avenue to experience this highly anticipated adventure.
