MachineGames Discusses Controversial Hitler Scene and Future of Wolfenstein Series
Developers at MachineGames, the studio behind the modern Wolfenstein series, have shared intriguing details about a scene involving Adolf Hitler in Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus. In a recent documentary exploring the game's creation, the team revealed their initial, more explicit vision for the notorious dictator and confirmed their long-term plans for a third main installment.
The Uncensored Vision for Hitler
The scene in question from Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus features an aging, ailing Hitler overseeing an audition for a propaganda film designed to defame the protagonist, BJ Blazkowicz. During this uncomfortable sequence, Hitler is depicted coughing, relieving himself, and cruelly lashing out at the auditioning actors. Originally, MachineGames had an even more shocking portrayal in mind.
Jerk Gustafsson, the Head of MachineGames, explained their initial ambition: “We actually wanted to show Hitler's penis when he was urinating. But that was a bit too much. So we decided to omit that part.” Creative Director Jens Matthies elaborated on the conversation, noting his discussion with Todd Vaughn, Bethesda’s VP of Production. “I had this thought: maybe we just show it, you know. I was slacking Todd Vaughn and asked, 'Um, do you think it would be a problem if we saw Hitler's penis?' He said, 'Yeah, I wouldn't advise that.' I thought, 'Yeah, you're probably right. Maybe that's too much.'”
Matthies humorously added, “It’s important to find the line. Sometimes we need to save ourselves from ourselves.” The overall idea behind the scene was to portray the Nazi leader “extremely physically,” emphasizing his weakness and sickly state, a point still conveyed effectively even without the full nudity.
Wolfenstein 3 Still on the Horizon
Beyond the creative process behind *The New Colossus*, MachineGames also offered an update on the future of the beloved first-person shooter series. The developers confirmed that they always envisioned the modern Wolfenstein games as a trilogy, and the plans for the third part remain firmly in place.
Gustafsson shared insights into the overarching narrative arc for BJ Blazkowicz: “The first game is primarily about BJ. Obviously, he understands that the Nazis won the war, but it’s also a very personal journey for him. At the same time, he meets Anya and begins to realize that other things exist—not just fighting Nazis. In New Colossus, we show a broader group of people who are part of the resistance. Something bigger that almost becomes a family to him. And at the same time, he is preparing to start his own family.”
He continued, emphasizing the importance of this foundational plan: “I think it's important to stress this because we always viewed the series as a trilogy. BJ's path, even in the first weeks of working on New Order when we were outlining the plot, already had a plan—what would happen in the second game and what would happen in the third. I think it's important to say that because, at least I hope, we're not done with Wolfenstein yet. We have a story to tell.”
The last main entry in the series, Wolfenstein: Youngblood, was released over six years ago. While fans have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion to “Terror Billy’s” saga, it remains unclear how much longer players will need to wait for the final chapter of the trilogy. This news, however, offers a ray of hope that MachineGames intends to bring their ambitious narrative to its intended close.
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