Setting a story in the right place and time can make all the difference, especially when dealing with a character as iconic as Indiana Jones. InIndiana Jones and the Great Circle,MachineGames has made a bold choicewith its timeline, one that promises to bring a fresh yet familiar perspective to Indy’s adventures.
Game Rant recently had the opportunity to interview MachineGames aboutIndiana Jones and the Great Circle, during which lead narrative designer Tommy Tordsson Björk explained the game’s timeline and how it benefits the game in the long run. While Björk remained tight-lipped on the specifics, he hinted that this carefully chosen era allowed the developer to delve deeper into what makes Indy tick — balancing his larger-than-life exploits with the personal stakes and charm that define his character.
How Indiana Jones and the Great Circle’s Timeline Benefits Its Story
When crafting a story for acharacter as iconic as Indiana Jones, every detail matters — especially the timeline.Indiana Jones and theGreat Circleplaces itself squarely between two of the franchise’s most beloved films,Raiders of the Lost ArkandThe Last Crusade, which MachineGames stated presented unique opportunities. Specifically, Björk said,
Placing the story between Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade really helped us to quickly establish the vantage point from where we took Indy as a character through this journey and where he ends up when the Last Crusade begins. It helped us define a lot of his personal storyline and themes, which echo from both films – his relationship with Marion and his relationship with his largely absent father.
By anchoring the story between two memorableIndiana Jonesmovies, MachineGames found a unique opportunity to explore the essence of Indiana Jones. This wasn’t just about charting his journey from one adventure to the next, but about digging deeper into what drives him as a character. The developers hinted that this approach allowed them to balance the high-stakes action fans expect with a closer look at Indy’s personal world — his relationships, motivations, and the ideals that shape his passion for archaeology.
The Great Circle’s Narrative Needed to Fit Indiana Jones' Character
Of course, crafting this balance wasn’t without its challenges. Indy is more than an action hero; he’s a scholar, an explorer, and a man who wrestles with his own flaws and humanity. To truly capture his spirit, the developer needed to create a story that felt as authentic and grounded as it was thrilling. MachineGames described how it focused on Indy’s unique perspective as an adventurer, ensuring that the core ofIndiana Jones and the Great Circlerevolves around his unyielding drive to uncover secrets of the past. It’s a passion that defines him and sets the stage for thestory MachineGames is eager to tell. When asked about the developer’s approach to ensuring these new additions felt right for Indy, Björk answered,
First and foremost, we always had Indy as a character in mind whenever we made story decisions. For us, no other aspect of the world of Indy is as important as Indy and his passion for archaeology and adventure, and that’s what we hoped to bring forth even more and explore other sides of. Making it about adventure first was one aspect of that. Indy is an explorer. We want to discover new things, wonder at the silent voices from the past that echo in the forgotten architecture of lost civilizations or in the relics and artifacts of artisans long gone.
While exploring Indy’s passion for archaeology and adventure was a key pillar of the game, MachineGames wasn’t content to stop there. The developer recognized that part ofwhat makes Indiana Jones so unforgettableis the sense of wonder and danger that lurks beneath the surface of his world. This isn’t just about discovering ancient artifacts or solving puzzles — it’s about tapping into something far more mysterious. For Indy, the real thrill comes from what sits just beyond the edges of understanding, sometimes dabbling in the fictional world.
The developer was careful toweave this element intoIndiana Jones and the Great Circle, ensuring that the adventure’s stakes are not just physical but existential, with an ever-present sense of the unknown hanging over Indy’s journey. By introducing that faint, unsettling hint of something greater than the tangible world, MachineGames sought to capture the feeling that anything could happen — and that the secrets Indy uncovers might be far more dangerous than he realizes. This mysterious layer, Björk emphasized, is essential to amplifying the story’s adventure and keeping players on the edge of their seats. Bjork continued,
Second of all, adding that layer of mystery and hint of supernatural at the edge of reality. That unknown, powerful thing that you can barely perceive is there. That is something that makes Indy larger than real life, something that amplifies the adventure and heightens the stakes.
As much as adventure andmystery shape the narrative ofIndiana Jones and the Great Circle, the developer was equally committed to capturing the charm and spirit that defines the franchise. It’s not enough to simply have Indy battle foes and solve puzzles;Indiana Jones and the Great Circlehad to evoke the same sense of excitement and joy that fans associate with the films. MachineGames shared how it focused on preserving the playful, almost matinee-like quality of Indy’s adventures, where danger and humor often go hand-in-hand. The fun isn’t just in the action — it’s in the way Indy interacts with the world around him, from his loyal allies to the villains who cross his path. On that note, Björk concluded,
The third aspect was getting that same sense of humor and matinee feeling, mixed with the heart and humanity that is always present in the movies. And that comes a lot from character interactions, not only between Indy and his friends, but between his enemies too, especially his rival Voss, who really wants to outshine him.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circleis shaping upto be a journey that both honors the legacy of the films and expands on what makes Indy such an enduring character. MachineGames' careful attention to the timeline allows it to explore fresh facets of Indy’s personality and relationships, delving into his passion for archaeology, the thrill of adventure, and the mysteries that lie just beyond the edge of perception.
By embracing the supernatural elements that elevate Indiana Jones' quests and weaving in moments of humor and humanity, MachineGames is crafting an experience that feels as dynamic and multifaceted as the iconic hero himself. With compelling character interactions,a new rival in Emmerich Voss, and a story that stays true to the heart of the franchise,Indiana Jones and the Great Circlepromises to deliver a truly authenticIndiana Jonesadventure.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
WHERE TO PLAY
Uncover one of history’s greatest mysteries in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, a first-person, single-player adventure set between the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade. The year is 1937, sinister forces are scouring the globe for the secret to an ancient power connected to the Great Circle, and only one person can stop them - Indiana Jones™. You’ll become the legendary archaeologist in this cinematic action-adventure game from MachineGames, the award-winning studio behind the recent Wolfenstein series, and executive produced by Hall of Fame game designer Todd Howard.YOU ARE INDIANA JONESLive the adventure as Indy in a thrilling story full of exploration, immersive action, and intriguing puzzles. As the brilliant archaeologist – famed for his keen intellect, cunning resourcefulness, and trademark humor – you will travel the world in a race against enemy forces to discover the secrets to one of the greatest mysteries of all time.A WORLD OF MYSTERY AWAITSTravel from the halls of Marshall College to the heart of the Vatican, the pyramids of Egypt, the sunken temples of Sukhothai, and beyond. When a break-in in the dead of night ends in a confrontation with a mysterious colossal man, you must set out to discover the world-shattering secret behind the theft of a seemingly unimportant artifact. Forging new alliances and facing familiar enemies, you’ll engage with intriguing characters, use guile and wits to solve ancient riddles, and survive intense set-pieces.WHIP-CRACKING ACTIONIndiana’s trademark whip remains at the heart of his gear and can be used to distract, disarm, and attack enemies. But the whip isn’t just a weapon, it’s Indy’s most valuable tool for navigating the environment. Swing over unsuspecting patrols and scale walls as you make your way through a striking world. Combine stealth infiltration, melee combat, and gunplay to combat the enemy threat and unravel the mystery.THE SPIRIT OF DISCOVERYVenture through a dynamic mix of linear, narrative-driven gameplay and open-area maps. Indulge your inner explorer and unearth a world of fascinating secrets, deadly traps ,and fiendish puzzles, where anything could potentially hide the next piece of the mystery – or snakes. Why did it have to be snakes?
