In a recent video series from Noclip detailing the history of MachineGames, studio head Jerk Gustafsson revealed a significant piece of news for fans: the developers fully intend to create a direct sequel to 2017’s Wolfenstein: The New Colossus, completing the modern trilogy.
MachineGames’ Enduring Vision for the Wolfenstein Trilogy
Gustafsson clarified that a three-part story has always been the vision for protagonist BJ Blazkowicz, stating, “We have always seen this as a trilogy.” He further explained, “That journey for BJ, even during those first weeks at id, when we mapped out New Order, we still had the plan for at least [BJ], what would happen in the second one and what would happen in the third one.” This long-term storytelling approach, a hallmark of compelling narratives, indicates that the arc begun in 2014’s Wolfenstein: The New Order was designed from the outset to conclude in a third mainline installment. “I think that’s important to say, because—at least I hope—we’re not done with Wolfenstein yet. We have a story to tell,” Gustafsson added, reaffirming MachineGames’ commitment to delivering a complete saga for tech enthusiasts and gamers following the series.
Navigating the Wolfenstein Timeline: A Narrative Challenge
While the confirmation of a third game is thrilling, its narrative placement presents some intriguing challenges for the development team. The New Colossus concluded with a seemingly definitive ending, sparking a new American Revolution. Adding to the complexity, the 2019 co-op spinoff, Wolfenstein: Youngblood, significantly complicated the timeline by jumping forward 20 years to focus on BJ Blazkowicz’s twin daughters. A direct sequel would need to skillfully navigate this temporal gap, potentially serving as an interquel set between the two games, finding a way to continue the less-popular story threads of Youngblood, or even initiating a timeline retcon. Each option presents a unique narrative hurdle that MachineGames, known for its strong storytelling, will need to master to deliver a cohesive and dramatic conclusion.
Trust in MachineGames and the Anticipated Wait
Despite these timeline complexities, there’s a strong sense of confidence in MachineGames’ ability to craft a compelling conclusion. The studio has consistently proven its narrative depth and mechanical prowess with its acclaimed titles. However, fans should temper their excitement with patience. MachineGames has been dedicated to its latest major project, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, only recently releasing its story DLC. With that project’s cycle winding down, full-scale development on the next Wolfenstein installment may soon begin, but a release date is likely still a considerable distance away.
Here at Digital Tech Explorer, we understand the anticipation for the final chapter of BJ Blazkowicz’s journey. This commitment from MachineGames to complete the thrilling alternate-history saga is a testament to their dedication to impactful storytelling, ensuring a satisfying resolution for fans worldwide. As tech enthusiasts and storytellers, we eagerly await further developments, ready to explore what comes next.