MachineGames, the studio renowned for reviving the Wolfenstein franchise, appears to have recently canceled an unannounced project. While the studio remains tight-lipped, a discovery on a former developer’s LinkedIn profile hints that this mysterious game could have been part of the beloved Nazi-blasting series.
As speculation grows, fans of the franchise are wondering: Is a new Wolfenstein in development? Or has MachineGames shifted its focus entirely to other ventures, such as the much-hyped Indiana Jones and the Great Circle?
The LinkedIn Leak: Uncovering the Canceled Project
The rumor mill started churning when Ayaguere Sanchez Dieppa, a former developer at MachineGames and now with Valve, updated his LinkedIn profile to include work on a “canceled unannounced project” between 2022 and 2024. Although no title was provided, the timeline matches a period when MachineGames was quiet on the Wolfenstein front.
This discovery didn’t go unnoticed. With MachineGames only working on two known IPs — Wolfenstein and Indiana Jones — fans and analysts quickly began speculating that the canceled game may have been a continuation of the Wolfenstein storyline.
MachineGames’ Known IPs: A Tale of Two Franchises
Wolfenstein: A Modern FPS Legend
MachineGames earned its reputation with the Wolfenstein reboot series, starting with Wolfenstein: The New Order (2014), followed by The Old Blood, The New Colossus, and the co-op spin-off Youngblood (2019). While the first few entries were widely praised for their narrative depth and high-octane action, Youngblood received mixed to negative reviews due to its deviation from the franchise’s core formula.
Since then, the series has remained dormant. Despite a large fanbase still interested in BJ Blazkowicz’s storyline, there’s been no official update about a new installment.
Indiana Jones: The New Darling of MachineGames
Announced in 2021, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is MachineGames’ current flagship project. With backing from Lucasfilm Games and Bethesda, the game has become the studio’s primary focus. Its cinematic presentation and globe-trotting adventure aesthetic have garnered massive anticipation, drawing attention away from Wolfenstein.
Timeline Clues: Could the Canceled Project Be Wolfenstein 3?
Considering Dieppa’s involvement from 2022 to 2024 on a now-defunct title, it’s plausible that MachineGames was at one point working on Wolfenstein 3. Here’s why:
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Previous Teases: Bethesda has hinted in past interviews that a third Wolfenstein game would eventually wrap up the reboot trilogy.
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No Other IPs: MachineGames has only two public franchises.
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Fan Expectations: The abrupt disappearance of Wolfenstein after Youngblood seemed out of step with how successful the earlier entries were.
However, this possible third entry may have been shelved in favor of putting all resources behind Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, which likely carries broader commercial appeal.
Bethesda’s Roadmap Leaks: No Clear Signs of Wolfenstein
Adding fuel to the fire, Bethesda’s internal roadmap — leaked in 2023 — failed to mention any direct reference to a new Wolfenstein game. While it did include various codenamed projects, none could be definitively linked to the franchise.
This silence from Bethesda, combined with MachineGames’ cancellation of a mystery project, is what has fans both worried and curious.
Why Did the Project Get Canceled?
While we may never know for certain, several theories exist:
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Creative Differences or Reboots: The game may not have aligned with the studio’s creative vision or quality standards.
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Resource Allocation to Indiana Jones: Developing a AAA title like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is resource-intensive. MachineGames might have chosen to consolidate efforts.
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Market Saturation or Franchise Fatigue: The lukewarm reception of Youngblood might have made Bethesda hesitant to greenlight another installment without a radical overhaul.
Could Wolfenstein Still Return?
Absolutely — the cancellation doesn’t necessarily mean the end. Fans are hopeful that MachineGames could revisit the franchise once Indiana Jones launches. If the studio successfully delivers on the promise of that game, they may have more freedom (and funding) to return to Wolfenstein with a fresh perspective.
The Fanbase Reacts: Hope, Frustration, and Theories
Across Reddit, Twitter, and gaming forums, Wolfenstein fans are split:
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Some remain optimistic, believing the franchise will return in due time.
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Others feel let down, viewing the silence as a sign that MachineGames has moved on.
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Theories abound, including that the Wolfenstein sequel might resurface under a different codename or developer.
The Future of Wolfenstein Is Unclear but Not Impossible
While MachineGames has seemingly scrapped a mysterious project that might have been Wolfenstein 3, the final fate of the franchise remains up in the air. Until an official announcement comes from Bethesda or MachineGames, all we have are educated guesses.
Still, one thing is clear — the legacy of BJ Blazkowicz is far from forgotten, and fans around the world are still eager to pick up the fight against virtual fascism once more.
