In the unveiling of Bethesda’s Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, keen-eyed observers may have noticed an intriguing hint on a whiteboard within developer MachineGames’ office. Upon freezing the frame, the character “AKE 6” is discernible just above the familiar Quake logo, sparking speculation among fans about the possibility of Quake 6, an FPS revival long-awaited for 19 years.
Examining the video at the 11:35 mark provides a firsthand look at the whiteboard. Besides the potential Quake teaser, the board showcases several sketches resembling puzzles, which could either be related to the new Indiana Jones game or perhaps serve as target practice arenas for a prospective Quake installment.
However, it is essential not to jump to conclusions regarding the involvement of MachineGames or any other Bethesda studio in the immediate development of Quake 6. The presence of the hint might merely be a clever Easter egg designed to generate excitement among classic FPS enthusiasts on social media. Nevertheless, if a new Quake is indeed in the pipeline, it has been a protracted wait.
The most recent numbered entry in the Quake series dates back to 2005 with Quake 4, followed by the release of Quake Champions in 2017 (Early Access) and its official launch in 2022 as the fifth installment. Despite initial controversy among longtime fans due to its introduction of Overwatch-style hero abilities, Quake Champions eventually garnered a favorable reception, though it struggled to maintain a robust player base.
Considering Bethesda’s successful reboots of Wolfenstein and Doom, the prospect of a similar revival for Quake, the third pillar of FPS gaming, is tantalizing. The potential involvement of MachineGames, known for their work on the Quake 2 remaster, adds further intrigue to the speculation. Meanwhile, amidst the anticipation for Quake 6, fans may wonder about the status of Wolfenstein 3.
In a separate context, Todd Howard has disclosed that details about the Indiana Jones game, including Indy’s objectives and character arc, have been kept under wraps for an extended period.