Some time ago, the team behind “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle” embarked on a daunting journey to bring an iconic character to life in a video game. I often wonder if, back then, they realized the magnitude of the challenge they were taking on. Not only did they choose to create a game starring Indiana Jones, but they also decided to seamlessly merge Harrison Ford’s likeness and spirit from his 1980s heyday—when Indy was at his rugged best—into the virtual world. None of the older, more grizzled versions from the later films would suffice.
Considering the complexities involved in game development, it’s truly astounding that MachineGames managed to hit this ambitious target. The key ingredient? The immense talent of Troy Baker. Known for unforgettable roles like Joel in “The Last of Us” and Sam Drake in “Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End,” Baker had to channel one of pop culture’s most cherished figures. Only a spot-on rendition of Ford’s voice and demeanor would meet fans’ expectations.
A fresh video released by BAFTA sheds some light on how Baker accomplished this feat. Evidently, he approached the project with an immersive, method-style dedication. During the pandemic, he attended the initial table read via Microsoft Teams, adopting the persona fully by using “Indiana Jones” as his screen name and accessorizing with the classic fedora and bullwhip—elements that are quintessentially Indy—as shared by cinematic producer Mitra Ashkan Far.
Baker’s success also relied heavily on the expertise of performance director Tom Keegan, recognized for his work on the “Wolfenstein” and “Star Wars” games. Voice-over designer Emily Hesler praised Keegan’s ability to help actors delve deeply into their characters. In a compelling moment from the BAFTA video, around the 7:20 mark, Hesler shares some outtakes of Baker as Indy, capturing those quintessential grunts and cries during action scenes. She highlights the unique flair Baker injects into these moments that make his portrayal truly resonate with Ford’s portrayal.
“That’s pure Indy,” Hesler remarks with appreciation, as she listens to Baker’s expressive grunts. “It’s full of character, more than just the physical act of getting hit.”
Hesler notes that Baker’s vocal tone in these instances encapsulates a hint of Indy’s frustration, yet underlines his enduring resilience. It suggests that Indy is not just a victim, but a capable hero ready to retaliate.
“There needs to be a sense of breathiness,” Hesler explains. “Sure, there’s the usual tone but also an edge of annoyance. Troy adds that personality seamlessly.”
Even now, after countless hours of gameplay, I find myself continually impressed by Baker’s embodiment of Indiana Jones. His efforts earned him a share of the 2025 DICE Award for Outstanding Achievement in Character. Expect to dive into this exciting adventure when “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle” launches on the PlayStation 5 this spring.
