Jens Andersson Discusses the Vision Behind 'a MachineGames Adventure' in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Jens Andersson, the design director behind Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, reflects on the game's development and the unique approach his team took to create an immersive first-person experience. With a background in working on innovative first-person games at Starbreeze, Andersson brought his expertise to MachineGames, where he worked alongside former colleagues to craft a game that would allow players to truly inhabit the role of Indiana Jones. The result is an adventure that combines exploration, puzzles, and action, all presented from a first-person perspective that drew both praise and criticism from players. Ahead of a keynote at Develop:Brighton 2025, Andersson spoke with GamesIndustry.biz about the challenges and triumphs of developing Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and what it's like to revisit the classic films that inspired the game. Andersson's conversation touches on the benefits of first-person perspective, the importance of trust and shorthand among team members, and the lessons learned from player feedback. He also discusses the process of balancing different gameplay elements, such as combat, puzzles, and exploration, to create a cohesive and engaging experience. With the game now released, Andersson can look back on the development process and appreciate the unique blend of elements that make Indiana Jones and the Great Circle a standout title in the MachineGames portfolio.