MachineGames, the Swedish video game developer, has established a new satellite office in Sundsvall, Sweden. The studio’s leadership confirmed the expansion is a direct response to a growing remote workforce in the northern region. This development occurs as the company, a subsidiary of Xbox Game Studios, continues its work on major franchises.
Jerk Gustafsson, the studio director at MachineGames, explained the rationale behind the new location. He stated that the company has employed talented programmers from the Sundsvall area for an extended period. As remote collaboration with more individuals from that region increased, the need for a dedicated physical space became apparent.
“We have had a few programmers from that area working for us for a long period of time, amazing talent,” Gustafsson said. “And then we started to work with a couple of more guys up there, and eventually we ended up feeling that, well, we have so many people that are working from up there now, so we might just provide them with a small office space.”
Integration with Microsoft and Xbox
The discussion of the new office emerged within a broader context of the studio’s operations under Microsoft. MachineGames was acquired by Microsoft’s gaming division in 2020, joining the Xbox Game Studios family. This acquisition provided the developer with significant resources and stability.
Gustafsson noted that being part of a larger corporation like Microsoft has allowed the team to focus more intently on game development. The financial and technical support from the parent company reduces external pressures, enabling a sharper creative focus on projects like the upcoming “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle” and future titles.
Studio Culture and Remote Work Evolution
The opening of the Sundsvall office reflects a hybrid approach to workplace strategy. While the company’s main headquarters remains in Uppsala, approximately a three and a half hour drive south, the new facility caters to employees who prefer or require a local collaborative environment. This move acknowledges the lasting impact of remote work models adopted widely during the global pandemic, while also providing optional in-person infrastructure.
This strategy aims to retain top talent regardless of geographic location within Sweden. It demonstrates a modern adaptation of studio culture, balancing the benefits of distributed teams with the collaborative advantages of physical workspaces.
Future Projects and Franchise Developments
MachineGames is currently known for its work on the critically acclaimed “Wolfenstein” series reboot. Industry observers and fans have long anticipated a sequel, tentatively referred to as “Wolfenstein 3.” While the studio has not announced a release date or formal details for such a project, its continued development of narrative-driven first-person shooters suggests the franchise remains a priority.
The studio’s immediate public project is “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle,” announced in 2021. This first-person action-adventure game is being developed in collaboration with Lucasfilm Games and represents a major new direction for the team, leveraging its expertise in cinematic storytelling within a beloved franchise.
Looking forward, MachineGames is expected to continue developing core titles for the Xbox and PC platforms. The studio’s expansion and its integration into Microsoft’s ecosystem indicate a long-term roadmap that includes both established IP and new ventures. Official announcements regarding the next “Wolfenstein” installment or other projects will follow the completion and release of its current primary development undertaking.
Source: GamesIndustry.biz
