Indy’s Rules: No Harm to Dogs in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle—Here’s Why

In Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, MachineGames is steering the iconic archaeologist into a more family-friendly adventure, bringing a new perspective on Indy’s character—one that distinctly includes a love for dogs. As MachineGames’ Creative Director Jens Andersson points out, this isn’t like the Wolfenstein series, where dogs sometimes meet a rough fate. Instead, in The Great Circle, dogs appear as foes Indy encounters, but rather than harming them, he simply scares them off.

Indy’s “Dog Person” Nature Shines Through

Indy’s affection for dogs is no secret. In fact, it’s part of his backstory. As Andersson recalls, Indy’s nickname famously originates from his family dog, a fact referenced by his father, Henry Jones, in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. In the latest instalment, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, MachineGames chose to emphasize Indy’s softer side, especially when it comes to his interactions with animals. When players attempt to point a weapon at a dog in the game, the creature simply runs away, sparing both Indy and the player from any moral dilemma.

“We have dogs as enemies, but you don’t really hurt the dogs. You scare them away,” Andersson explained. It’s a purposeful shift from other games the developer has worked on, like Wolfenstein, where dogs can be dispatched in a gory fashion. Here, however, MachineGames wanted to keep the game accessible to a wider audience by avoiding scenes that could make players, especially dog lovers, uncomfortable.

Family-Friendly Gameplay and the Legacy of Indy’s Morals

The decision to spare dogs is more than just a quirk; it’s a reflection of The Great Circle’s family-friendly approach. MachineGames, in collaboration with Lucasfilm Games, is focusing on making a game that appeals to longtime fans while remaining accessible to younger players. This shift highlights the balance of adventure, excitement, and a strong moral compass, aligning with the spirit of Indiana Jones that fans know and love.

As Andersson states, “[Indiana Jones] is a dog person… it’s a family-friendly IP in many ways.” While Indiana Jones films have their share of intense moments, The Great Circle aims to create thrills without crossing into overly violent territory, a direction that suits Indy’s own character. It’s not about making Indy soft—it’s about staying true to his adventurous yet principled nature, which resonates with fans of all ages.

Thrills Without Gore: How The Great Circle Tackles Fear and Suspense

While The Great Circle maintains a family-friendly tone, it doesn’t completely shy away from suspenseful elements that are classic to Indy’s adventures. According to Lucasfilm Games executive producer Craig Derrick, the game includes “creepy crawlies” and a few nail-biting situations where players will feel Indy’s claustrophobia or experience light jump scares—all without delving into excessive horror. The aim is to capture the “authenticity of the films,” bringing the tension of narrow escapes and eerie atmospheres without resorting to gratuitous violence.

Andersson and Derrick wanted to create a game that felt thrilling yet accessible, maintaining the balance that fans of all ages could enjoy. “You’ll feel like it’s a little bit scary,” Derrick shares, “but in the safest possible way.” From cobweb-laden tombs to the distant echo of eerie sounds, The Great Circle promises moments that will have players on the edge of their seats, without pushing them away with overly graphic scenes.

Expanding Indiana Jones’ Legacy to Modern Consoles

With The Great Circle slated for release on Xbox Series X|S and PC on December 9 and a PS5 version in spring 2025, the developers are tapping into the power of next-gen hardware to deliver an Indiana Jones experience that’s both visually stunning and immersive. The game is targeting a smooth 60fps, ensuring a visually engaging experience across different platforms. For Indiana Jones fans who grew up with the films, this means they’ll be able to explore Indy’s universe in unprecedented detail, all while knowing that it’s a safe space for younger players as well.

The decision to keep The Great Circle grounded and approachable echoes a desire to bring new players into the Indiana Jones fold. By avoiding certain gameplay tropes that may alienate players, like the graphic handling of animals, MachineGames hopes to broaden its appeal without sacrificing the intensity that Indiana Jones is known for.

^{While games are fun, it’s highly important to note that there’s more to life than sitting countless hours playing games – there’s a purpose and more to life; seek out that purpose more often!}