Former Indiana Jones Developer Thinks Nazis Shouldn’t Be In New Game

Hal Barwood, the creative force behind the celebrated LucasArts title Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis, recently shared his thoughts on the direction of the new Indiana Jones game in development by MachineGames and Bethesda Softworks. During an interview focusing on the creation of his renowned game, Barwood discussed the Indiana Jones series' tendency to feature Nazis as the primary antagonists. He expressed a belief that this pattern has grown not only repetitive but also creatively restrictive.

Reflecting on the franchise's history, Barwood noted that the Indiana Jones series often revisits its roots, involving Nazis as villains in many storylines. However, he voiced a concern that this reliance on past formulas represents a lack of creativity. He remarked on his disappointment over this trend, suggesting that developers could explore new directions instead of leaning on familiar narratives.

Barwood’s insights draw upon his experience working on a game centered around storytelling, especially given its point-and-click adventure genre. He emphasized the need for innovation in narrative elements, pointing out the potential for the series to introduce new enemies and challenges. According to Barwood, the consistent return to Nazi antagonists not only feels outdated but also limits the scope of Indiana Jones’ adventures.

His commentary invites fans and creators alike to reimagine the future possibilities for Indiana Jones, not just in terms of gameplay but also in the richness and diversity of its storytelling. As someone deeply involved in crafting engaging narratives, Barwood’s perspective underscores the importance of evolving a franchise to keep it both interesting and relevant.