Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Dev explains his timeline preferences

Putting a story in the right place at the right time can make all the difference, especially when it comes to an iconic character like Indiana Jones. U Indiana Jones and the Great CircleMachineGames has made a bold choice in its timeline, which promises to bring a fresh yet familiar take on indie adventure.

Game Rant recently had the opportunity to interview MachineGames about Indiana Jones and the Great Circleduring which Lead Narrative Designer Tommy Thordson Björk explained the game's timeline and how it benefits the game in the long run. While Bjork remained tight-lipped about details, he hinted that this carefully curated era allowed the developer to delve deeper into what makes Indy tick – balancing his incredible feats with the personal stakes and charm that define his character.

How Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Timeline contributes to its story

When crafting a story for an iconic character like Indiana Jones, every detail counts – especially timing. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle ranks between two of the most beloved films in the franchise, Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusadewhich, according to MachineGames, presents unique opportunities. In particular, 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 quickly establish the vantage point from which we took Indy as a character on this journey and where he ends up when the Last Crusade begins. It helped us define a lot of his personal plot and themes that echo across both films – his relationship with Marion and his relationship with his largely absent father.

Anchoring the story between two memorable ones Indiana Jones films, MachineGames found a unique opportunity to explore the essence of Indiana Jones. It wasn't just about charting his path from one adventure to the next, but about delving into what drives him as a character. The developers hinted that this approach allowed them to balance the high stakes fans expect with a closer look at Indy's personal world—his relationships, motivations, and ideals that shape his passion for archaeology.

The story of the Great Circle needed to fit the character of Indiana Jones

Of course, creating this balance was not without challenges. Indy is more than an action hero; he is a scientist, an explorer, and a man who struggles with his flaws and his humanity. To truly capture its spirit, the developer needed to create a story that was as authentic and grounded as it was exciting. MachineGames described how it focused on Indy's unique perspective as an adventurer, ensuring that the core Indiana Jones and the Great Circle revolves around his indomitable quest to unravel the mysteries of the past. It's that passion that defines him and sets the stage for the story that MachineGames strives to tell. When asked about the developer's approach to making these new additions feel right for Indie, Björk said:

First of all, when we were making story decisions, we always thought about Indy as a character. No other aspect of Indy's world is as important to us as Indy and his passion for archeology and adventure, and that's something we've been hoping to uncover even more and explore other sides. One aspect of it was that it was about adventure at first. Indy is an explorer. We want to discover new things, to marvel at the silent voices of the past that echo in the forgotten architecture of vanished civilizations or in the relics and artifacts of long-gone artisans.

While Indy's passion for archeology and adventure was a key pillar of the game, MachineGames wasn't content to stop there. The developer admitted that part of what makes Indiana Jones so memorable is the sense of wonder and danger that lurks beneath the surface of his world. It's not just about discovering ancient artifacts or solving puzzles—it's about touching something much more mysterious. For Indy, the real thrill comes from being beyond comprehension, sometimes delving into a fictional world.

The developer carefully invested in this element Indiana Jones and the Great Circleensuring that the stakes in the adventure are not only physical but also existential, with a constant sense of the unknown looming over Indy's journey. By presenting this faint, unsettling hint of something more than the material world, MachineGames sought to capture the sense that anything could happen—and that the secrets Indy uncovers may be far more dangerous than he realizes. This layer of mystery, Björk emphasized, is essential to enhancing the adventure of the story and keeping players on the edge of their seats. Bjork continued,

Second, adding that layer of mystery and a hint of the supernatural on the edge of reality. That unknown, powerful thing you barely feel is there. It's what makes Indy larger than life, what heightens the adventure and raises the stakes.

Adventures and mysteries shape the story Indiana Jones and the Great Circlethe developer also sought to convey the charm and spirit that defines the franchise. It's not enough to just fight Indy's enemies and solve puzzles; Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was supposed to evoke the same sense of excitement and joy that fans associate with the movies. MachineGames shared how it focused on maintaining the playful, almost morning quality of indie adventures, where danger and humor often go hand in hand. The fun isn't all about the action – it's about how 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 to get that same sense of humor and morning, mixed with the heart and humanity that is always present in the films. And a lot of that comes from the character interactions, not only between Indy and his friends, but also between his enemies, especially his rival Wasp, who is hell-bent on outshining him.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle looks like a journey that honors the legacy of the films and expands on what makes Indy such an enduring character. MachineGames' careful attention to timeline allows for new facets of Indy's personality and relationships to be explored, delving into his passion for archaeology, the thrill of adventure, and the mystery that lies just beyond perception.

Embracing the supernatural elements that elevate Indiana Jones' quest and weaving in moments of humor and humanity, MachineGames creates an experience that feels as dynamic and multi-faceted as the iconic hero himself. With compelling character interactions, a new adversary in Emmerich Voss, and a story that stays true to the heart of the franchise, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle promises to deliver truly authentic Indiana Jones adventurous.