The Future of Wolfenstein: Insights from MachineGames
The Wolfenstein series experienced a remarkable resurgence starting with its soft reboot in 2014, developed by MachineGames and published by Bethesda. This fresh take on the iconic shooter captivated audiences and expanded its narrative universe. A follow-up, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, launched in 2017 and continued the story of protagonist William “B. J.”Blazkowicz in this reimagined alternate history. While a third installment has not yet been confirmed, MachineGames appears eager to complete the narrative trilogy initiated by the first two games.
Reflections from MachineGames
In a recent Noclip documentary, the team at MachineGames discussed their thoughts on the franchise’s direction and future. Studio co-founder and head, Jerk Gustafsson, elaborated on the narrative complexity introduced in the series.
“The first game is very much about B. J.and how he understands that the Nazis have won the war, but it’s also a very personal journey for him. But at the same time, he meets Anya, he starts to see that there are other things at play as well, not only fighting Nazis, ”Gustafsson said.“And then, moving into New Colossus, we move into a wider group of people around you, being part of the resistance—something bigger and something like a family to you, but at the same time, you’re also preparing to start maybe your own family.”
Regarding the potential for a third installment featuring Blazkowicz, Gustafsson reassured fans that the story of Wolfenstein is far from over, emphasizing, “we have a story to tell.”
“I think this is important to say, because we have always seen this as a trilogy. So that journey for BJ, even during those first weeks at id, when we mapped out New Order, we still had the plan for at least that character, ”he added.
MachineGames’ Recent Ventures
Since the launch of Wolfenstein II, MachineGames has kept busy with various projects. They co-developed spin-off titles such as Wolfenstein: Youngblood and Cyberpilot, and contributed mission packs to classic titles including Quake, Quake II, and the enhanced version of Doom II. Most recently, the studio released the critically acclaimed Indiana Jones and the Great Circle in 2024.
What Lies Ahead?
Now that the Indiana Jones project and its associated downloadable content are concluded, the Microsoft-owned studio seems poised to embark on a new adventure. Fans are left speculating whether their next project will be an anticipated sequel in the Wolfenstein series, another Indiana Jones game, or perhaps an entirely new intellectual property. Only time will reveal the path MachineGames decides to take next.
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