According to the report, the project is being developed under the codename Valkyrie, and performance director Tom Keegan and casting director Emily Schweber are noted as working on it. Among the roles being cast seems to be that of a woman named Sofiya—a possible reference to protagonist BJ Blazkowicz’s mother Zofia Blazkowicz. Performance capture for the project is slated to start in April, with dates slated for later in the year as well as in 2027.

Sofiya has been described as an orphan from Ukraine, and is slated to be aged somewhere between 8 and 11. She also has a dog named Ralph, who will apparently become a companion for BJ Blazkowicz. The character’s description notes that she was raised by “the resistance” to be a “strong-willed survivor”. While far from a confirmation, Sofiya might end up being a game-long companion for BJ Blazkowicz throughout the campaign.

While MachineGames has seen quite a bit of success with its most recent release—Indiana Jones and the Great Circle—studio director Jerk Gustafsson has expressed an interest in finishing up the Wolfenstein trilogy in the future.

“Our intention has always been to go back to Wolfenstein,” he said. “We wanted to finish the trilogy. And when we do that, that is something that I don’t want to comment on. It can be now, it can be later, but we’re not done with it. That’s what I can say.”

Gustafsson also spoke about the studio’s experience with first-person games that also have an emphasis on their stories, and how it wants to innovate with its future projects without losing sight of its roots.

“We have been doing very, very similar games, and very, very focused on first-person, story-driven titles for a long time,” he said. Gustafsson also mentioned that MachineGames is “looking more to see what we can do to innovate and expand within that genre. I often see us being able to do a mobile game. It just requires a different skillset that we don’t have at MachineGames. Maybe sometime in the future, but who knows?”

A report from back in January had also indicated that MachineGames had started work on Wolfenstein 3. The report has also indicated that the studio might have another project in the works. It is “thought to be working” on a multiplayer game that has been compared to Ubisoft’s Rainbow Six Siege. How deep this comparison goes, however, is unknown.

In the meantime, check out our thoughts on 2014’s Wolfenstein: The New Order, and how it still holds up quite well even today. Also take a look at our review of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and its The Order of Giants expansion for more on MachineGames.

“Our intention has always been to go back to Wolfenstein,” he said. “We wanted to finish the trilogy. And when we do that, that is something that I don’t want to comment on. It can be now, it can be later, but we’re not done with it. That’s what I can say.”

Speaking of the more recent Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Gustafsson spoke about the studio’s experience in making story-focused first-person games, and how the studio also wants to continue innovating while staying true to its roots.

“We have been doing very, very similar games, and very, very focused on first-person, story-driven titles for a long time,” he said, before noting that MachineGames is “looking more to see what we can do to innovate and expand within that genre. I often see us being able to do a mobile game. It just requires a different skillset that we don’t have at MachineGames. Maybe sometime in the future, but who knows?”

Looking to the future, Gustafsson expressed hope that there is still a market for the kinds of games that MachineGames makes. “I still hope that there will continue to be a market for the type of games we do, because obviously we love to do them,” he said. “And to be honest, I also see less of them, especially when it comes to what we call AAA.”

A report from January indicated that MachineGames has been actively working on a new Wolfenstein game. The report, courtesy of Windows Central’s Jez Corden, noted that the game is being developed because Amazon is working on a TV adaptation of the franchise. He also mentioned that the studio is “thought to be working” on a multiplayer game, which is said to be similar to Ubisoft’s Rainbow Six Siege. While more precise details aren’t known yet, the comparison would indicate that it is a hero shooter with each team taking turns as being attackers and defenders.

Back in September, Gustafsson had spoken about wanting to revisit the Wolfenstein series, noting that there are still stories to be told in that setting.

“So that journey, for B.J., even during those first weeks at id when we mapped out New Order, we still had the plan for, at least, that character; What will happen in the second one, what will happen in the third one. I think that’s important to say, because, at least, I hope, that we’re not done with Wolfenstein yet. We have a story to tell,” he said.

While Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus was the last mainline entry in the series, it also got a pair of spinoffs—the co-op-centric Wolfenstein: Youngblood, and the VR-only Wolfenstein Cyberpilot. Check out our reviews of the three games for more details. And while you’re at it, also take a look at our reviews of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and its expansion.

The apparent reasoning for this is simple: A new Amazon TV show is in the works. Releasing a new mainline title, especially if it returns the focus to B.J. Blazkowicz (the last game, Wolfenstein: Youngblood, starred his daughters), would thus be ideal. It would also contrast with how unprepared Microsoft was for the success of the Fallout series, though remasters of Fallout 3 and New Vegas are seemingly on the way.

But that’s not all, as MachineGames is also “thought to be working” on a multiplayer title seemingly akin to Rainbow Six Siege. That would probably mean different hero-type characters, more tactical gameplay and attack vs. defend objective-based modes. Does it really make sense, especially given all the competition? Maybe not, but you can’t fault them for trying something new.

And for Blizzard fans, this year could potentially mark the return of StarCraft at BlizzCon, with Corden confirming rumors of a new third-person shooter in the franchise. Whether it will be announced or not remains to be seen, but there’s a lot to look forward to regardless.

However, at one point, it was known for Wolfenstein, a contemporary continuation of id Software’s legendary shooter. Wolfenstein: Youngblood was its last title (we don’t talk about Cyberpilot), but MachineGames may not be done with the series just yet. In noclip’s recent documentary, The Making of Wolfenstein, co-founder and studio director Jerk Gustafsson said the team has always “seen this as a trilogy.”

“So that journey, for B.J., even during those first weeks at id when we mapped out New Order, we still had the plan for, at least, that character; What will happen in the second one, what will happen in the third one. I think that’s important to say, because, at least, I hope, that we’re not done with Wolfenstein yet. We have a story to tell.”

A listing emerged in 2023, potentially indicating a new first-person game was in development, but there’s been no official announcement. With rumors of more Indiana Jones titles in the works, it might be a while before MachineGames returns to Wolfenstein. Never say never, though, and stay tuned for more updates.

In the meantime, check out our review of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on PS5.

But AAA studios often do have multiple projects in the works, and it seems that’s the case at MachineGames as well. The studio recently put up a job listing for the position of a senior animator (as spotted by Tech4gamers), which seems to suggest that it’s got a new first person title in the works.

Under its qualifications section, the ad mentions that the application should have a “passion for video games and especially for first-person immersive games”, while “strong familiarity with MachineGames’ titles” is also listed as a preferred skill. The ad also makes it quite clear that it is tied to a AAA project.

Of course, there’s no explicit mention of what game is being referred to here, but with MachineGames staffing up for a new first person title, it’s only natural to go straight to a new Wolfenstein game. Bethesda has assured fans a few times in the past few years that the future of the Wolfenstein franchise is secure, even though an announcement for a sequel hasn’t been forthcoming, so here’s hoping that finally changes in the not-too-distant future.

The developer of the Wolfenstein reboot series and the upcoming Indiana Jones has had no new releases since Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus in 2017 (unless you count 2019’s Wolfenstein: Youngblood, which was largely developed by Arkane), but it seems they will have something to show at tomorrow’s showcase. Over on LinkedIn, MachineGames recently put up a post talking about its exciting for the showcase.

Of course, that doesn’t necessarily have to mean anything- MachineGames is owned by Xbox, after all, so maybe the studio is just promoting it without having any involvement in it itself. Or maybe they have something to show- that’s what many will be hoping.

If they do have something to show, it’s unlikely that Indiana Jones will be the game they bring, considering the fact that it’s still very early in development. Might we finally be about to see the long-overdue announcement of Wolfenstein 3? Fingers crossed, right?

One way or another, we’ll find out soon enough whether MachineGames has anything to announce, and if they do, what that is, so stay tuned for more updates.

However, news has been light since Pete’s confirmation that a third Wolfenstein game is incoming. To be fair though, the past four years have presented many a spanner in the works; the pandemic, of course, slowing game development pace down to a crawl, plus Microsoft’s 2021 purchase of Bethesda Softworks’ parent group ZeniMax Media – and with it, all of Bethesda’s subsidiary development studios – have conceivably pushed back any planned announcement of a new Wolfenstein game. Couple this with the potential for internal lukewarm motivation after the poor reception of Youngblood and Cyberpilot, then it’s up in the air if a new Wolfenstein game is on the near horizon at all. I’m not saying it isn’t, it’s just given all that’s happened we simply can’t know for sure.

Pete Hines has since reinstated his enthusiasm for a third Wolfenstein title though, this time in a 2021 interview in response to the uncertainty, although he fell short of outright confirming it was going to happen soon. He said of Wolfenstein: “we’ll have to wait till we get to the point of wanting to talk about it,” before adding “you can put me at the head of the list of people who want to see another Wolfenstein game.” I don’t know about you, but I’m not convinced by this statement. It feels inconclusive. I believe his affinity for the series is genuine, but it doesn’t scream like it’s a priority to me.

And, I mean, you can understand where I’m coming from. Bethesda has two highly anticipated titles in the works, namely Bethesda Game Studios’ massive intergalactic RPG Starfield, and Arkane Austin developed open world co-op shooter Redfall. Both these games have just had their release windows pushed back to 2023 despite already having been announced for this year though. Bethesda could of course be planning on shifting development of a new Wolfenstein game to another one of their studios. But moving development of Wolfenstein 3 to another studio wouldn’t make sense to me though.

Yes, Wolfenstein sits alongside Quake as a franchise credited for propelling first-person shooters into the world’s most popular video game genre in the 90s. But I think Swedish studio MachineGames has done a remarkable job of reimagining the Wolfenstein franchise into a Nazi-occupied United States, with an alternative timeline narrative punctuated by thrilling gunplay and formidable antagonists. Taking it away from them would do the next title in the series a disservice as there’s knowledge and expertise in MachineGames’ ranks that can’t be replicated elsewhere.

So, assuming we’re sticking with MachineGames for the development of Wolfenstein’s third entry, then this studio will need to grow big-time. And, as it happens, one look at the careers page on their website and we can see they’ve plenty of jobs advertised, with job descriptions specifically stating the studio is indeed looking to expand. A deeper look at some of the LinkedIn profiles of MachineGames employees offers us further glimmers of hope too. Senior game designers based at the studio’s headquarters in Uppsala, Sweden have specified in their job descriptions that they’re working on an unannounced title. So it stands to reason they’re working on unannounced game.

Perhaps they’re expanding their team to streamline the development of the next Wolfenstein? Makes sense to me.

If they are indeed working on a new title, then surely this must be the third Wolfenstein game. So, the next question is when are we going to receive an official announcement? Well, there are a couple of possibilities on the horizon. In E3’s absence once again Microsoft are hosting an Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase in the middle of June. Microsoft has used this event for its major announcements for a few years now, with this year’s show touted to feature titles from Xbox’s first-party game studios, including Bethesda, plus partners from around the world. Thing is though, Wolfenstein is amongst a glut of huge titles which I’m fans are clamouring for info on.

There’s the aforementioned Starfield, plus recently announced; Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, Everwild, I’m sure could do with an update. Forza Motorsport, whilst almost certain to be included, might even get a gameplay reveal. And maybe… just maybe The Elder Scrolls 6 will be revealed. Who knows? All I’m trying to say with this incessant name-dropping is that Wolfenstein 3 is up against some wildly popular franchises and considering its likely in early development – if in development at all – then keeping it away from this year’s showcase rather than risking a reveal being overshadowed by bigger titles seems the wiser choice.

There is Bethesda’s own QuakeCon coming up in August. It would make sense to me that if there is going to be an announcement then it’d be at this event. 2021’s event was somewhat light on big game reveals; Quake Enhanced was the only other standout announcement. Surely this year Bethesda will pull out all the stops now last year’s Microsoft takeover is complete.

Whilst MachineGames’ rebooted Wolfenstein series expansions weren’t as well received as The New Order and The New Colossus, there’s certainly appetite for a continuation of the narrative established in the first two games. Few FPS franchises have as strong an identity as Wolfenstein, with its themes of reclamation and hope in the face of evil coexisting with outlandishly blockbuster set pieces, all the while supported by a relatively old-school shooting design. Either way, I feel the time is right for shooting Nazis once again, so I’ll be eagerly awaiting news of a third game in the series to be announced.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, GamingBolt as an organization.

2021 is already looking like a big year for gaming, with several major games confirmed to be releasing this year (barring any delays, of course, which will, unfortunately, be inevitable). It goes without saying that there are several other major releases planned for the year as well that haven’t yet been unveiled. In fact, at least a couple might be headed to Xbox.

Speaking during the recent Xbox Two podcast, Jez Corden of Windows Central said that he knows of “at least two” big AAA games that are currently unannounced but will be releasing for Xbox this year. Recent reports have suggested that Forza Horizon 5 might actually release this year (before the already-announced next Forza Motorsport entry), so that might be one of the two games mentioned here.

And what could the second game be? Known Xbox insider Rand al’Thor says later in the podcast that Wolfenstein 3’s development is almost done. MachineGames, who recently confirmed that they’re working on an Indiana Jones title, will be an Xbox first party studio once the Microsoft and ZeniMax deal goes through later this year, so that might be one of the two games mentioned here.

This is all unconfirmed for now, of course, so take it with a grain of salt. It’s not much of a stretch to assume that some major releases planned for this year are yet to be announced though, so hopefully that ends up happening sooner rather than later (assuming this report is accurate, that is). Either way, we’ll keep you updated, so stay tuned.

Bethesda’s support for the Nintendo Switch has been surprisingly great so far, with several of their major release in the last few years having been brought over to the system. One such game is Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus, which launched on Nintendo’s hybrid not so long ago.

The question ever since that happened has been- will this continue in the future? After all, if Wolfenstein 2 had launched a little later, or the Switch a little earlier, it might even have been a simultaneous release on the Switch, which is what, incidentally, is happening with Bethesda’s upcoming DOOM Eternal as well.

According to Bethesda’s SVP of marketing and PR, Wolfenstein has an assured future on the Switch. While speaking with GameSpot at PAX Australia, Hines said that “the next Wolfenstein” would be coming to Nintendo’s system. That, to me, seems like it’s been worded in a purposefully vague way. Is Hines referring to Wolfenstein: Youngblood? Or is he talking about Wolfenstein 3, which we know for a fact is coming some time down the line?

Considering the fact that Wolfenstein: Youngblood is technically the “next” game in the series, being scheduled for a launch next year, it’d be easy to assume that that’s what Hines is referring to. But then again, it has been announced only for Xbox One, PS4, and PC- there is no mention of a Switch version, while DOOM Eternal’s Switch version, a game that was announced at the same time as Youngblood, was confirmed pretty much immediately after its initial announcement.

Either way, regardless of which game’s being referred to here, we can at least be happy about the fact that there’s more Wolfenstein to come on the Nintendo Switch.

Bethesda has a lot of huge games in the works, so it would be natural to wonder whether we’ll be seeing more from franchises like Wolfenstein and Dishonored. While Wolfenstein seems to be taking a break from its numbered entries with the upcoming Youngblood, the Dishonored franchise reportedly seems to be “resting”. Speaking to Metro, Bethesda’s vice president of PR and marketing Pete Hines discussed the possibilities regarding the futures for these series.

Regarding the next major instalment in the Wolfenstein series, Pete Hines stated this is a game that they are definitely making. He said, “Yeah, sure. Absolutely we’re making a Wolfenstein III. They said on stage that they’re taking a break from the larger story to do this thing. But we all have to see how that ends.”

The interviewer also inquired about the Dishonored series and how it is said to be “resting.” However, Hines is of the perspective that the developers just want to work on different projects, so it certainly is a possibility that we’ll be seeing more of this series in the future. Hines stated, “Ah, I wouldn’t read too much into that. Look, Arkane has two studios, they’re working on a number of things. That’s no different than Todd Howard saying, ‘I’m gonna make a Fallout game and then I’m gonna make Starfield before I go back to TES6’. He didn’t say I’m never making another… there’s like, ‘We have an idea for another thing here, we have an idea for another there’.”

All in all, it’s still pretty great news for fans of the franchises to learn that they aren’t completely dead. The less-than-stellar commercial performances of both Wolfenstein 2 and Dishonored 2 may have cast doubts over futures of both properties, Dishonored more so than Wolfenstein, since the latter is at least still getting a new game next year. It’s great to know that that doesn’t seem to be the case. Hopefully, we’ll get to learn more about this soon enough.