MachineGames, the studio behind Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, has confirmed a key gameplay detail: players won't be able to harm dogs in the upcoming adventure. This commitment to animal welfare sets the game apart and reflects a conscious design choice.

No Canine Casualties in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Indy's a Dog Lover, Says MachineGames

While many games feature violence against animals, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle takes a different approach. Creative Director Jens Andersson told IGN, "Indiana Jones is a dog person." Despite the action-packed nature of the franchise, the developers have ensured that Indy's interactions with dogs are non-lethal. This marks a significant shift from previous MachineGames titles like Wolfenstein, where animal combat was commonplace.

Andersson explained, "It’s a family-friendly IP in many ways. We have dogs in the game, but you won't hurt them; you'll scare them off."

Launching December 9th on Xbox Series X|S and PC (with a PS5 release slated for Spring 2025), Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is set in 1937, between Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade. The story follows Indy as he chases stolen artifacts, leading him on a globe-trotting adventure from the Vatican to Egyptian pyramids and even submerged temples.

Indy's trusty whip remains a key tool, used for both traversal and combat against human foes. But rest assured, dog lovers: according to the developers, no canines will feel the sting of Indy's whip in this adventure.

For a deeper dive into the game's mechanics, be sure to check out our related article!