Video Games
MachineGames Purportedly Working on Third ‘Wolfenstein’ Title
MachineGames said that they weren’t done with Wolfenstein, and they’re sticking to it. According to the grapevine, the developer is now at work on the third entry in the trilogy, which could possibly be revealed during the next Xbox Developer Direct broadcast later this month.
Per separate reports from Windows Central and Kotaku, MachineGames is indeed working on the follow-up to 2017’s Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, but neither outlet offered details on the project. There is speculation that the timing of the announcement of the third entry would coincide with the upcoming Wolfenstein Amazon TV show adaptation, which was announced last July.
Back in September, YouTube channel NoClip had released their documentary on the reincarnation of id Software’s classic FPS, where MachineGames had expressed a desire to complete the trilogy. “The first game is very much about BJ, and obviously he understands that the Nazis won the war but it’s also a very personal journey for him,” says MachineGames studio head Jerk Gustafsson.
“I think this is important to say because we have always seen this as a trilogy,” Gustafsson continues. “So that journey for BJ, even those during those first weeks at id [Software], when we mapped out [Wolfenstein: The New Order], we still had the plan for at least that character – what will happen in the second one, and what will happen in the third one. I think that’s that’s important to say because, at least I hope, that we’re not done with Wolfenstein yet. We have a story to tell.”
Game Atelier is offering up something slightly different with its recently-released 2-player co-op asymmetrical multiplayer horror title Follow Us. Currently out now in Early Access on Steam, the game is described as a hilarious and horrifying relationship stress test, where one player explores the environment, while the other guides them remotely, trying to keep their partner alive.
In what sounds like a dystopian (yet honestly, not entirely unrealistic) future, people live entirely through their screens, as going outside has become too risky. You stream for a shady channel called “Follow Us,” ready to do anything to keep your audience’s attention. Your goal is simple: entertain the masses, and stay alive.
Each round lets players choose whether they want to play as EXY the Explorer, who bravely navigates a haunted map, or OPY the Operator, who hangs back to guide EXY and hack the playspace to protect them from the various creatures and hazards in the level. Built on communication rather than complex mechanics, Follow Us creates tension by combining two opposite forces: isolation and connection with your partner.
Every level explores a different kind of fear. EXY faces danger and isolation in the field, while OPY endures helplessness and relentless pressure from the van.
And in keeping with the “friend” theme, Follow Us offers a rarity amongst titles like these: two people can play with just one copy of the game. Of course, the person who doesn’t own the copy of the game will need to download the Friend’s Pass in order to play, but you get the idea.
Follow Us will remain in Early Access for about 6 to 12 months, with the plan to expand the game with new haunted locations, additional enemy types, and improved co-op systems based on community feedback.