An Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Sequel Would Need to Be Mindful of Which Countries It Visits

A Future Indiana Jones Game Should Honor the Franchise’s Canon While Expanding on New Adventures

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle wrapped up the year with an unexpectedly strong performance, leaving fans and critics alike impressed with how well the game captured the essence of the iconic film series. Developed by MachineGames, the first-person action-adventure successfully translated the adventurous spirit of Indiana Jones into a captivating experience. Following its success, rumors have swirled that Disney is open to more Indiana Jones games, raising the question of whether a sequel is on the horizon.

While these reports are still speculative, if a sequel does emerge, it will need to be careful about the countries and locations it features. The Great Circle set a high bar by staying true to the franchise’s tone and timeline, and a follow-up would do best to explore new settings while remaining faithful to the established lore.

Staying True to the Franchise's Roots

One of the most notable strengths of The Great Circle was its ability to feel authentically tied to the Indiana Jones universe. Set between the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade, the game ventured into iconic locations like the Vatican, the Himalayas, the Ziggurat of Ur in Iraq, the Peruvian jungle, Shanghai, Thailand, and Egypt. These settings not only captured the spirit of Indy’s adventures but also ensured that the game’s events could be integrated into the larger cinematic timeline.

If a sequel is to happen, MachineGames must tread carefully when selecting new locations. Placing Indy in a location he’s never visited before, according to the film canon, could be a serious misstep. Such an approach might upset longtime fans and disrupt the magic that made The Great Circle resonate so deeply. The game’s ability to slot seamlessly into the timeline is one of its greatest assets, and breaking the established canon would risk undermining that achievement.

The Challenge of Expanding the Canon

While the challenge of staying faithful to the timeline is significant, there is still plenty of room for creative exploration. In an interview with Variety, Lucasfilm Games vice president Douglas Reilly pointed out that there’s plenty of uncharted territory within the gaps between the films. "We’re always looking for great stories, and the good news is, there’s a lot of space in between the films where we could tell more Indiana Jones stories," Reilly explained. This leaves room for MachineGames to develop new adventures that don’t directly contradict the established film canon.

For example, a sequel could explore more of the adventures Indy experienced between Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade, or even venture into a prequel-style narrative. However, while there’s flexibility, it’s important that the game stays within the bounds of what feels authentic to the franchise.

It’s worth noting that The Great Circle did make one lore divergence, particularly with its interpretation of the story behind Noah’s Ark. While this adjustment was a departure from the established mythology, it was ultimately a compelling addition that enriched the overall narrative. However, any future retcons that drastically alter where Indy goes or what he does could risk alienating fans and shaking the core identity of the series.

The Potential for More Adventures

Now that The Great Circle has proven that an Indiana Jones game can be successful in the modern gaming landscape, anticipation for a sequel is higher than ever. MachineGames has shown that it can balance the adventurous spirit of the films with engaging gameplay, and the desire for more Indy stories is palpable. Whether it takes the form of a direct sequel or explores untold stories from Indy’s past, fans are eager to see where the next adventure could take them.

Ultimately, the key to a successful follow-up will be MachineGames’ ability to stay true to the heart of the Indiana Jones franchise—exploring new locations and stories while respecting the beloved canon that has defined the series for decades. As long as the game’s narrative remains grounded in the spirit of the films, fans can look forward to an unforgettable sequel.