Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: Reviving ’80s Movie Magic in a 2024 Game Adventure

Indiana Jones has always carried a sense of adventure that’s hard to pin down. Sure, the stories, the iconic hero, and that unforgettable music all contribute, but there’s more to it. There’s a distinct magic in how these films were made, the choreography, and the overall vibe. It’s that elusive essence that has solidified the series’ place in cinematic history. Recreating that magic in a video game? Now, that’s a tall order.

That’s exactly the challenge MachineGames faced when developing Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. The task wasn’t just to deliver a top-notch, modern game experience. They had to encapsulate that special kind of magic intertwined with the films into a new medium. At its core, it’s about striking a balance—a game that not only feels contemporary but also resonates with the timeless allure of the Indiana Jones universe.

In talking to the folks at MachineGames, it’s incredible to learn how they’ve managed this fusion of modern gaming and traditional film techniques. Their goal was clear: find that sweet spot where their game feels like an organic extension of the beloved movies.

A prime example of their attention to detail comes from an unexpected scene—one you might even dismiss at first glance.

Remember the classic encounter from Raiders of the Lost Ark? Our hero finds himself facing a daunting swordsman in an alley. The foe brandishes a scimitar with flair, and just when a fierce duel seems inevitable, Indy casually takes him down in one shot. It’s a perfect blend of tension and humor, epitomizing the unpredictable spirit of Indiana Jones. But translating that cinematic moment into a video game? That’s a puzzle on its own. Yet, it became part of the game’s solution.

“That scene is a very good example of the type of humor one can experience in the classic Indy movies – priceless!” Creative Director Axel Torvenius explains. “The inspiration we took from that and similar scenes, is precisely that humor. Balancing engaging, rewarding combat with Indy’s signature humor was equally important.” This example showcases MachineGames’ broader approach: going above and beyond to grasp the true magic of these films—no small feat for a medium that often runs counter to Hollywood’s traditional storytelling.

Matinée Idol

Achieving that retro ’80s cinema vibe was a priority for us from the get-go,” says Torvenius. Reinventing the look and feel of Indiana Jones wasn’t the goal, but rather, capturing that nostalgia-driven aesthetic. The team went far beyond re-watching the films. They delved into technical details—examining color palettes, film stock, audio techniques, and even stunt choreography. They aimed to translate those elements into a modern context, all while staying true to a different medium.

Torvenius shares some intriguing insights about how they adapted old techniques. “In gaming, your view of the world can constantly shift—you can peek behind the curtain. But we identified key places to reinforce the scene, making sure it looked just right,” he notes.

In more controlled settings, like cutscenes, they went even further. The presence of a Director of Photography during motion capture sessions allowed them to capture the cinematic finesse that pays homage to the original movies. That extra effort imbibes a sense of authentic cinematic depth into the game.

Pitch Perfect

We all know the sound of Indiana Jones is pivotal. From the music to the sound effects and the infamous Wilhelm Scream, it all pulls at the nostalgic heartstrings. Audio Director Pete Ward recounts their process in capturing those familiar sounds. “What core elements define the Indiana Jones sound? We asked,” says Ward. They aimed to capture the essence of playing as Indy in a cinematic way. Thoroughly analysing the films, the team discovered key sounds they needed to recreate—Indy’s voice, the whip, the revolver. The goal was to evoke, not just copy, those iconic effects.

Ward’s team even turned to the original techniques in creating new sounds—over 100 hours of recordings using authentic props. That dedication means the game’s sound mirrors the cinematic magic of the ’80s in a fresh way. Composer Gordy Haab was brought on board to craft a score that respects John Williams’ iconic work while standing on its own. Recording at Abbey Road, with input from session musicians who once worked on Raiders, maintains an organic connection to the source material.

Telling the Tale

MachineGames faced a different kind of challenge with the storyline for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. It needed to be new yet still feel like a natural continuation of the Indiana Jones narrative. Lead Narrative Designer Tommy Tordsson Björk focused on piecing together adventures that resonate with Indy’s established universe. Armed with deep research into the 1930s setting and shaped through the specific lens of an “Indy matinée adventure,” the narrative reflects both historical authenticity and the beloved franchise’s charm.

Björk emphasizes the importance of character-driven storytelling: “Indy is central to the story and gameplay, guiding both.”

Playing With History

MachineGames’ task was more than just retelling story beats for a game. They needed to recreate the lively thrill of an Indiana Jones movie while allowing players the freedom to explore. The team crafted realistic performances with extensive motion capture work, bringing thrilling stunts to life.

The attention to even the smallest detail—like how a punch lands—reflects their pursuit of authenticity. They crafted melee combat that’s easy to pick up but challenging to master, blending cinematic flair with gameplay mechanics. The humor, essential to Indiana Jones, permeates every aspect, ensuring a delightful gaming experience.

Which circles us back to Indy and that iconic scene with the swordsman. It’s a moment that might’ve felt out of place in a typical game but here, it works seamlessly. MachineGames has invested the ingenuity and heart necessary to make Indiana Jones and the Great Circle not just an homage to the series, but a worthy addition to it.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is set to launch on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC (with Game Pass), as well as Steam, on December 9. Those opting for the Premium and Collector’s Editions will get a head start with 3 days of early access starting December 6.