Baldur's Gate 3

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the 2023 video game. For the cancelled video game, see Baldur's Gate III: The Black Hound.

Baldur's Gate 3
Developer(s)Larian Studios
Publisher(s)Larian Studios
Director(s)Swen Vincke
Producer(s)David Walgrave
Programmer(s)
  • Bert Van Semmertier
  • Blake Maltby
Artist(s)Joachim Vleminckx
Writer(s)Adam Smith
Composer(s)Borislav Slavov
SeriesBaldur's Gate
Platform(s)
Release
  • Windows
  • 3 August 2023
  • PlayStation 5
  • 6 September 2023
  • macOS
  • 22 September 2023
  • Xbox Series X/S
  • 7 December 2023
Genre(s)Role-playing
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Baldur's Gate 3 is a 2023 role-playing video game developed and published by Larian Studios. It is the third main installment to the Baldur's Gate series, based on the tabletop fantasy role-playing system of Dungeons & Dragons. A partial version of the game was released in early access format for macOS and Windows in October 2020. It remained in early access until its full release for Windows in August 2023, with versions for PlayStation 5, macOS, and Xbox Series X/S releasing later that year.[1][2]

Baldur's Gate 3 received critical acclaim, with praise for its gameplay, narrative, and production quality. It won many Game of the Year awards and became the first game that won top trophies at all five major ceremonies at the Golden Joystick Awards, The Game Awards,[3] the D.I.C.E. Awards,[4] the Game Developers Choice Awards, and the British Academy Games Awards.[5][6][7]

Gameplay[edit]

Baldur's Gate 3 is a role-playing video game with single-player and cooperative multiplayer elements. Players can create one or more characters and form a party along with a number of pre-generated characters to explore the game's story. Optionally, players are able to take one of their characters and team up online with other players to form a party.[8][9]

The game implements a flexible quest system with various approaches to resolving most quests. Players can eliminate almost any non-player character, regardless of their importance to the storyline, yet still continue to advance through the game.[10] The game is divided into three acts, each taking place in a distinct region of the world. Within these acts, the game adopts a non-linear format, permitting players to tackle quests in virtually any sequence.[10]

Screenshot of Baldur's Gate 3's first combat encounter.
Baldur's Gate 3 features turn-based combat implementing the combat model from 5th edition of the Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing game.

Unlike previous games in the Baldur's Gate series, Baldur's Gate 3 has turn-based combat, similar to Larian's earlier games Divinity: Original Sin and Divinity: Original Sin II; all combat is based on the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition rules.[11] Most mechanics and spells are taken from the tabletop role-playing game version of Dungeons & Dragons, although some are modified or omitted due to the adaptation of the game into a role-playing video game format.[12] There are 12 character classes, which are further subdivided into 46 subclasses. Each class focuses on a different aspect of the combat system, such as the wizard, who focuses on casting a large variety of spells or the barbarian, who focuses on unarmoured melee combat.[13] The player can also select more than one class per character, which is referred to as multiclassing, allowing the player to build their character in many different and unique ways.[14]

The game incorporates a roster of ten companion characters who are available for players to enlist into their party. Each of these characters has a personal story and a narrative that the player can explore further. The player can develop relationships with companion characters based on plot and dialogue choices made. Some of the companion characters are only accessible provided that the player makes specific plot or dialogue choices.[15]

All characters, both major and minor, are fully voice acted and motion captured, amounting to approximately 1.5 million words of performance capture.[16][17]

The game features a limited free floating camera, allowing the player to play the game in any camera ranging from fully third-person camera to an isometric top-down view.[18] The game's user interface has both a mouse and keyboard and a controller mode. In both modes, the player can use spells and combat actions, manage inventory, see the map, display player and companion character's statistics and select various gameplay elements such as allied and enemy characters.[19]

The game has modding support, although not all features and tools are available at launch, and modding options are expected to expand with subsequent updates.[20] Many mods are available from the community, allowing the player to change various aspects of the game.[21]

Plot[edit]

Setting[edit]

Baldur's Gate 3 takes place in the fictional world of the Forgotten Realms during the year of 1492 DR, over 120 years after the events of the previous game, Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn, and months after the events of the playable Dungeons & Dragons 5e module, Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus. The story is set primarily in the Sword Coast in western Faerûn, encompassing a forested area that includes the Emerald Grove, a druid grove dedicated to the deity Silvanus; Moonrise Towers and the Shadow-Cursed Lands, which are covered by an unnatural and sentient darkness that can only be penetrated through magical means; and Baldur's Gate, the largest and most affluent city in the region, as well as its outlying suburb of Rivington. Other places the player visits include the Underdark, the Astral Plane and Avernus.[22]

Characters[edit]

The game is fully narrated by voice actress Amelia Tyler, who acts as the Dungeon Master, describing the world and the player's actions throughout the story.[23] The player character can either be created from scratch by the player, chosen from six pre-made "origin characters", or a customisable seventh origin character known as The Dark Urge.[24] All six pre-made origin characters can be recruited as part of the player character's party. They include Lae'zel (Devora Wilde), a githyanki fighter; Shadowheart (Jennifer English), a half-elf cleric; Astarion (Neil Newbon), a high elf vampire rogue; Gale (Tim Downie), a human wizard; Wyll (Theo Solomon), a human warlock; and Karlach (Samantha Béart), a tiefling barbarian.[25][26] Four other characters may join the player's party: Halsin (Dave Jones), a wood elf druid; Jaheira (Tracy Wiles), a half-elf druid; Minsc (Matthew Mercer), a human ranger who carries a hamster named Boo with him; and Minthara (Emma Gregory), a drow paladin. Jaheira and Minsc previously appeared in both Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn.[27]

The primary antagonists of the game are the Absolute (Cissy Jones), and her three chosen followers General Ketheric Thorm (J. K. Simmons), Lord Enver Gortash (Jason Isaacs), and Orin the Red (Maggie Robertson). Additional major characters include: Withers (Stephen Boxer), a mysterious undead entity who supports the player in camp, Raphael (Andrew Wincott), a devil with a penchant for making deals; Elminster (Crispin Redman), a renowned wizard and mentor to Gale; Auntie Ethel (Rena Valeh), a fussy trader of potions and sundries; Bhaal (Doug Cockle), the God of Murder; Mystra (Jane Perry), Goddess of Magic; Shar, Goddess of Darkness; Volo (Stephen Hogan), an unlucky writer; Mizora (Tamaryn Payne), a manipulative devil with a connection to Wyll; Isobel (Mia Foo), a half elf cleric working with Jaheria; Dame Aylin (Helen Keeley), Isobel's partner and an aasimar paladin; Ulder Ravengard (Chris Jarman), Wyll's father and Duke of Baldur's Gate; Kith'rak Voss (Richard Cotton), a githyanki knight; Dammon (Frazer Blaxland), a tiefling blacksmith, and The Emperor (Scott Joseph), a mind flayer with a key role in the main story. Sceleritas Fel (Brian Bowles), a fiend and manservant to the Dark Urge, only appears if the player has chosen to create a Dark Urge character. Viconia DeVir (Jess Nesling), a drow cleric and Mother Superior serving Shar who is integral to Shadowheart's storyline, previously appeared in Baldur's Gate and appeared as a companion in Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn where she was voiced by Grey DeLisle.

Story[edit]

The protagonist wakes up inside a giant dimension-crossing illithid (mind flayer) flying ship. They are implanted with a parasitic tadpole that enthrals and transforms people into illithids; however, the transformation does not happen, and the ship comes under attack from githyanki warriors riding dragons. The protagonist is freed during the fighting and steers the damaged ship to Faerûn, where it crashes. They encounter other survivors of the wreck, all likewise implanted with tadpoles.

The party seeks to remove their parasites through numerous avenues, all of which fail to provide a cure. They are saved from the tadpoles' overwhelming psychic force by a "Dream Visitor" inside Shadowheart's mysterious prism, a device that is sought after by the githyanki. The protagonist then becomes involved in the fate of the Emerald Grove, where local druids and tiefling refugees face off against the goblin horde that worships a cult of the "Absolute". Once the party either sacks or saves the grove, they travel through the mountains or the Underdark to reach Moonrise Towers, a cultist stronghold, in search of a new cure.

The protagonist seeks sanctuary from the curse around Moonrise Towers in a tavern called the Last Light, held by a group of tiefling refugees, Flaming Fist conscripts and Harpers. General Ketheric Thorm, the reigning lord of Moonrise and Chosen of Myrkul, is using a relic named the "Nightsong" as an engine for his immortality. The party scours the depths of Moonrise in pursuit of the Nightsong, revealed to be Dame Aylin, a daughter of Selûne. After either slaying or freeing the Nightsong, the protagonist confronts Ketheric, as well as his cohorts—Orin the Red, the Chosen of Bhaal and Enver Gortash, the Chosen of Bane. Through their Netherstones and a mysterious crown, the triumvirate collectively controls the Absolute, revealed to be an Elder Brain, the ultimate form of the illithid race, and seeks to rule the Sword Coast by manipulating everyone implanted with a tadpole. Orin and Gortash depart with the Elder Brain for Baldur's Gate, while the protagonist defeats Ketheric and claims his Netherstone.

The protagonist arrives at Baldur's Gate as Gortash and Orin attempt to pit them against the other, while the companions find closure for their personal quests. It is revealed that the "Dream Visitor" is, in fact, a visage taken by a renegade illithid called the Emperor, who resides within the prism and oversees the imprisonment of a powerful githyanki, Orpheus. Orpheus is the source of psionic resistance the party possesses against the Absolute, and the Emperor has been leveraging this in his favour. The protagonist eventually faces off against Gortash and Orin, assembling the Netherstones to subdue the Elder Brain. The Elder Brain, having anticipated the triumvirate and the protagonist's every move, overpowers the party before the Emperor comes to the rescue.

Realising that the Netherstones require an illithid wielder with Orpheus' powers to be effective, the protagonist either frees Orpheus and allows him to transform, which causes the Emperor to resign to his fate and join the Absolute, or has either the Emperor, a transformed Karlach or the player character consume Orpheus in order to see the mission through. After defeating the Elder Brain, the protagonist can choose to either kill it and every illithid tadpole with it, ending the threat forever, or betray their comrades and rule as the Absolute.

Development[edit]

See also: List of Dungeons & Dragons video games
Portrait of Swen Vincke, Baldur's Gate 3's creative director.
Swen Vincke, Baldur's Gate 3 director and Larian Studios founder

The original Baldur's Gate game was developed by BioWare and Black Isle Studios, and published by Interplay Entertainment in 1998. The game used a licensed version of the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) rule set, specifically in the Forgotten Realms setting. The game's success led to a sequel, Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn, and its expansion pack, as well as the Icewind Dale series and Planescape: Torment. After the success of the spinoff Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance by Snowblind Studios, Interplay announced plans to produce further sequels to the Baldur's Gate series.[28] A planned sequel developed by Black Isle Studios, Baldur's Gate III: The Black Hound, was cancelled in 2003. Black Isle Studios would develop Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II before being shut down by Interplay in December 2003.[29] Further development on the series was halted due to a lawsuit between Interplay and Snowblind over the rights to the Dark Alliance trademark, and the Baldur's Gate trademark would revert to Atari.[30]

Atari would publish Neverwinter Nights, developed by BioWare, in 2002 and Neverwinter Nights 2, developed by Obsidian Entertainment, founded by former members of Black Isle Studios, in 2007. After the release of Neverwinter Nights 2, Obsidian Entertainment founder Feargus Urquhart unsuccessfully approached Atari to develop a sequel to Baldur's Gate.[31] Further attempts to develop a new Baldur's Gate were made by Brian Fargo, the founder of both Interplay and inXile Entertainment, as well as Beamdog, developers of enhanced ports of the original games and the standalone expansion Baldur's Gate: Siege of Dragonspear.[32][33]

Larian Studios were interested in making a sequel in the Baldur's Gate series for some time, having first approached Wizards of the Coast after their release of Divinity: Original Sin around 2014. At this time, Wizards of the Coast felt the studio was still too new to the industry to be trusted with the Baldur's Gate license. Larian then developed Divinity: Original Sin II, which was released in September 2017. Pre-release materials related to the game impressed Wizards of the Coast, so they contacted Larian to ask if they still had interest in Baldur's Gate 3. Larian accepted, and while working to wrap up the release stage of development for Divinity: Original Sin II, a small group gathered to develop the design document to present to Wizards of the Coast with their ideas for the new Baldur's Gate.[34]

Group of people playing Dungeons & Dragons tabletop RPG.
Baldur's Gate 3 is based on the 5th edition of the Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing game.

The game is based on the 5th-edition Dungeons & Dragons rule set, though it includes tweaks and modifications that Larian found necessary in adapting it to a video game. For example, the combat system is more in favour of the player than in the tabletop version, to make the game more enjoyable.[9]

Larian Studios teased Baldur's Gate 3 in the week prior to E3 2019.[35] They formally revealed it during Google's presentation on the Stadia platform just ahead of E3, confirming its release for both Windows and Stadia.[36] The tabletop adventure Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus was published by Wizards of the Coast in September 2019, and has been described as a "prequel" to Baldur's Gate 3. The Descent into Avernus adventure takes place roughly 100 years after the events of Baldur's Gate II, and the story of Baldur's Gate 3 takes place immediately following the events of the Descent into Avernus tabletop module.[37] On 5 October 2020, Larian Studios announced the game would be released for macOS in addition to Windows and Stadia.[38] Baldur's Gate 3 runs on the Divinity 4.0 Engine.[39][40][41]

In March 2024, Swen Vincke announced that Larian Studios would not be producing any DLC or sequels for Baldur's Gate 3, citing the constraints of developing within the D&D ruleset and a desire to "pass the torch to the next developer" and pursue other projects.[42][43]

Release[edit]

Baldur's Gate 3 was originally set to be released in early access on 30 September 2020 before being delayed a week to 6 October.[44][45] The early access version contained only the first act, amounting to approximately 25 hours of content.[46] Additional features and content, including multiplayer functionality and more classes, were added throughout early access.[47]

The version for Stadia was cancelled following the closure of the platform in January 2023.[48] In February 2023, it was announced that Baldur's Gate 3 would be released for Windows, macOS, and PlayStation 5 on 31 August 2023.[49] The PlayStation 5 and macOS versions would be delayed to 6 September and 22 September.[50][51] Spike Chunsoft published the PlayStation 5 version in Japan on 21 December 2023.[52][53] A Xbox Series X and Series S version was released on 7 December 2023, delayed due to performance issues on the Xbox Series S with splitscreen co-op, which was cut from the Series S version.[54]

Gameplay features like the Magic Mirror, allowing users to change their character's appearance, were added with patches after release.[55] A patch in December 2023 added two new difficulty modes, quality of life enhancements, and a new playable epilogue containing over 3,500 new dialogue lines.[56] A physical release is planned for early 2024.[57]

Reception[edit]

Baldur's Gate 3 received "universal acclaim" from critics, according to review aggregator website Metacritic,[58][59][60] with 98% of critics recommending the game on aggregator OpenCritic.[61]

Critics praised the quality of the writing, including the detailed depiction of the Dungeons & Dragons setting of Faerûn;[84][86][87] the intertwined storylines enabling alternate story moments and a large degree of player freedom;[84][87] and the characters, particularly companions, that feel interesting and memorable.[87] Critics also praised the production quality, including the voice acting,[87] character and facial animations,[88] and detailed environments.[88] The game's implementation of the Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition ruleset was well received,[89] although some critics were concerned that the complexity of the system could be daunting for players wholly unfamiliar with the tabletop version of the game.[68][76] The technical performance and its few bugs were highlighted, especially given many vast and complex game systems and interactions.[76] Critics were more lukewarm on the inventory system and some aspects of the user interface, such as needing to micromanage the equipment of multiple characters.[87][additional citation(s) needed]

Fraser Brown of PC Gamer called the game "the new pinnacle of the [CRPG] genre",[76] while IGN Portugal called it a "must-play masterpiece that sets a new bar in the RPG universe".[86]

Alex Battaglia of Eurogamer praised the game's performance on PC, and added that "Baldur's Gate 3 launches in a polished state with no game-breaking issues, shaming the technical quality of other big AAA releases".[90]

Sales[edit]

Baldur's Gate 3 became the best-selling game on both Steam and GOG.com on the day of its early access launch.[91] On Steam, the game had about 537,000 concurrent players on release day and peaked at 875,000 two weeks after release.[92][93][94] Baldur's Gate 3 sold more than 2.5 million copies during its early access phase.[95] Sales surpassed Larian's expectations,[96] as well as those of Microsoft when considering the Xbox release.[97] By March 2024, the game had an estimated 15 million in sales, doubling sales of Divinity: Original Sin 2, according to Larian's Swen Vincke.[a]

Accolades[edit]

Larian Studios acceptance speech after receiving the Game of the Year award at The Game Awards 2023
Larian Studios acceptance speech after receiving the Game of the Year award at The Game Awards 2023

It was selected by Ars Technica,[101] GameSpot,[102] GamesRadar,[103] 3DJuegos,[104][105] PC Gamer,[106] and Screen Rant[107] as their Game of the Year.

Date Award Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
2020 11th Hollywood Music in Media Awards Original Song — Video Game Borislav Slavov (for "Weeping Dawn") Nominated [108]
2021 12th Hollywood Music in Media Awards Original Song — Video Game Borislav Slavov (for "I Want to Live") Nominated [109]
2023 Golden Joystick Awards Best Storytelling Baldur's Gate 3 Won [110][111]
Best Game Community Won
Best Visual Design Won
PC Game of the Year Won
Studio of the Year Larian Studios Won
Best Supporting Performer Amelia Tyler (Narrator) Nominated
Neil Newbon (Astarion) Won
Ultimate Game of the Year Baldur's Gate 3 Won
14th Hollywood Music in Media Awards Original Score — Video Game Borislav Slavov Nominated [112][113]
The Game Awards 2023 Game of the Year Baldur's Gate 3 Won [114]
Best Game Direction Nominated
Best Narrative Nominated
Best Community Support Won
Best Role Playing Game Won
Best Multiplayer Game Won
Player's Voice Won
Best Score and Music Borislav Slavov Nominated
Best Performance Neil Newbon Won
The Vtuber Awards Stream Game of The Year Baldur's Gate 3 Nominated [115]
The Steam Awards Game of the Year Won [116]
Outstanding Story-Rich Game Won
2024 New York Game Awards Big Apple Award for Game of the Year Won [117][118]
Herman Melville Award for Best Writing in a Game Won
Statue of Liberty Award for Best World Nominated
Tin Pan Alley Award for Best Music in a Game Nominated
Great White Way Award for Best Acting in a Game Amelia Tyler (Narrator) Nominated
Neil Newbon (Astarion) Nominated
27th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards Game of the Year Swen Vincke, David Walgrave Won [119][120]
Role-Playing Game of the Year Swen Vincke, David Walgrave Won
Outstanding Achievement in Game Direction Swen Vincke Won
Outstanding Achievement in Game Design Nick Pechenin, Edouard Imbert, Farhang Namdar Won
Outstanding Achievement in Character Astarion (Neil Newbon, Adam Smith, Chrystal Ding, Stephen Rooney) Nominated
Karlach (Samantha Béart, Adam Smith, Chrystal Ding, Sarah Baylus) Nominated
Outstanding Achievement in Story Adam Smith, Chrystal Ding Won
The Streamer Awards Stream Game of the Year Baldur's Gate 3 Nominated [121]
35th GLAAD Media Awards Outstanding Video Game Won [122]
24th Game Developers Choice Awards Game of the Year Won [123]
Best Audio Nominated
Best Design Won
Innovation Award Nominated
Best Narrative Won
Social Impact Award Nominated
Best Technology Nominated
Audience Award Won
Gayming Awards Game of the Year Pending [124]
Readers Award Pending
Authentic Representation Award Pending
Best LGBTQ Character Dame Aylin Pending
Shadowheart Pending
Industry Diversity Award Larian Studios Pending
20th British Academy Games Awards Best Game Baldur's Gate 3 Won [125]
Animation Longlisted [126]
Artistic Achievement Nominated [127]
Audio Achievement Longlisted [126]
Game Design Longlisted
Multiplayer Nominated [127]
Music Borislav Slavov Won [125]
Narrative Baldur's Gate 3 Won
Performer in a Leading Role Amelia Tyler (Narrator) Nominated [127]
Neil Newbon (Astarion) Nominated
Samantha Béart (Karlach) Nominated
Performer in a Supporting Role Andrew Wincott (Raphael) Won [125]
Tracy Wiles (Jaheira) Nominated [127]
Dave Jones (Halsin) Longlisted [126]
Technical Achievement Baldur's Gate 3 Longlisted
EE Game of the Year Won [125]
Nebula Awards Best Game Writing Adam Smith, Adrienne Law, Baudelaire Welch, Chrystal Ding, Ella McConnell, Ine Van Hamme, Jan Van Dosselaer, John Corcoran, Kevin VanOrd, Lawrence Schick, Martin Docherty, Rachel Quirke, Ruairí Moore, Sarah Baylus, Stephen Rooney, Swen Vincke Pending [128]
Hugo Awards Best Game or Interactive Work Baldur's Gate 3 Pending [129]
Webby Awards Best Game Design Pending [130]
Independent Creator Pending

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Divinity: Original Sin sold about 2.5 million in 2019, according to Vinke, and its sequel had tripled that by July 2023.[98][99][100]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Baldur's Gate 3 Now Available on Mac". MacRumors. 22 September 2023. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
  2. ^ Nightingale, Ed (8 December 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 out now on Xbox". Eurogamer. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
  3. ^ Bankhurst, Adam (8 December 2023). "The Game Awards 2023 Winners: The Full List". IGN. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
  4. ^ "Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences Announces Winners of 2023's Best Video Games at 27th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards". interactive.org. Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. Retrieved 16 February 2024.
  5. ^ Serin, Kaan (12 April 2024). "Baldur's Gate 3 passes Elden Ring and Breath of the Wild to become first game to win all five major GOTY awards". GamesRadar+. Retrieved 12 April 2024.
  6. ^ Rowe, Willa (12 April 2024). "Baldur's Gate 3 Becomes First Game To Win Every Major GOTY Award". Kotaku. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  7. ^ Jarvis, Matt (12 April 2024). "Baldur's Gate 3 does what Elden Ring couldn't, sweeps BAFTAs to become first game to win every big GOTY award". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  8. ^ Wilde, Tyler (7 October 2020). "How to play Baldur's Gate 3 co-op, and whether or not you should". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on 16 August 2023. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  9. ^ a b Brown, Frasier (6 June 2019). "Baldur's Gate 3 will combine the best of Divinity and D&D 5th Edition". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on 17 June 2019. Retrieved 18 June 2019.
  10. ^ a b c Dekker, Jake (6 October 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 Review – Let Freedom Reign". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 11 October 2023. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  11. ^ Dingman, Hayden (6 June 2019). "Baldur's Gate III is finally happening, 19 years later". PC World. Archived from the original on 21 October 2020. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  12. ^ Toro-McCue, Jason (10 September 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 vs. Dungeons & Dragons 5E: What's different?". Dot Esports. Archived from the original on 12 October 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2023.
  13. ^ Stonham, Em. "Classes and Subclasses – Baldur's Gate III Guide". IGN. Archived from the original on 19 October 2023. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  14. ^ "Baldur's Gate 3 Multiclass and classes explained". Eurogamer.net. 4 August 2023. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  15. ^ Orr, Jessica (8 August 2023). "All companions in Baldur's Gate 3 and where to find all companions". Eurogamer.net. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  16. ^ Kuhnke, Oisin (27 August 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3's performances are so good because all 248 voice actors also did the motion capture". VG247. Archived from the original on 29 August 2023. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  17. ^ Dealessandri, Marie (27 February 2020). "Larian plays dungeon master for a new era of Baldur's Gate". GamesIndustry.biz. Archived from the original on 27 July 2023. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  18. ^ Bell, Lowell (8 August 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 camera controls". PCGamesN. Archived from the original on 31 October 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2023.
  19. ^ Purchese, Robert (6 September 2023). "I'm beginning to prefer Baldur's Gate 3 on PS5". Eurogamer.net. Retrieved 13 October 2023.
  20. ^ Tyler, Wilde (16 August 2023). "What's next for Baldur's Gate 3: over 1,000 'fixes and tweaks,' official mod tools, requested features". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on 15 October 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2023.
  21. ^ Rose, Danielle (2 October 2023). "Best Baldur's Gate 3 mods". PCGamesN. Archived from the original on 15 October 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2023.
  22. ^ Bell, Lowell (4 August 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 lore – story, setting, timeline". PCGamesN. Archived from the original on 23 September 2023. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  23. ^ Brown, Andy (29 November 2023). "How 'Baldur's Gate 3' got narrator Amelia Tyler through "very dark times"". NME. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
  24. ^ Irwin, Dave (4 August 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 The Dark Urge origin explained". PCGamesN. Archived from the original on 4 December 2023. Retrieved 8 November 2023.
  25. ^ Robinson, Andy (18 August 2020). "Baldur's Gate 3's Early Access has slipped to September". Video Games Chronicle. Archived from the original on 12 August 2023. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  26. ^ Randell, Harvey (29 June 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 promises level 12 cap, new races, 22 new subclasses, and whopping 174 hours of cinematics in community update". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on 2 July 2023. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  27. ^ Hashimoto, Kazuma (1 August 2023). "We condensed years of D&D storylines to get you ready for Baldur's Gate 3". Polygon. Archived from the original on 15 November 2023. Retrieved 8 November 2023.
  28. ^ "Interplay Maintains License for Baldur's Gate and Icewind Dale Franchises". 20 March 2002. Archived from the original on 6 December 2002. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
  29. ^ Thorsen, Tor (8 December 2003). "Interplay shuts down Black Isle Studios". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 13 June 2006. Retrieved 13 June 2006.
  30. ^ "SEC Info – Interplay Entertainment Corp – '10-K' for 12/31/05 – EX-10". www.secinfo.com. Archived from the original on 17 January 2016. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
  31. ^ Schreier, Jason (14 December 2012). "Baldur's Gate 3 Was Almost Made Four Years Ago". Kotaku. Archived from the original on 8 October 2023. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
  32. ^ Dutton, Fred (19 March 2012). "Baldur's Gate 3 is "our long-term goal", says Beamdog". Eurogamer. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
  33. ^ MacCafferty, Ryan (18 June 2019). "Obsidian and inXile Both Tried to get the Rights to Baldur's Gate 3 – E3 2019". IGN. Archived from the original on 19 June 2019. Retrieved 18 June 2019.
  34. ^ Brown, Frasier (6 June 2019). "Larian was shot down the first time it wanted to make Baldur's Gate 3". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on 9 June 2019. Retrieved 18 June 2019.
  35. ^ McWhertor, Michael (30 May 2019). "Divinity: Original Sin studio teases new game, signs point to Baldur's Gate 3". Polygon. Archived from the original on 9 June 2019. Retrieved 18 June 2019.
  36. ^ Grant, Christopher (6 June 2019). "Baldur's Gate 3 announced for Stadia launch, watch the trailer here". Polygon. Archived from the original on 19 June 2019. Retrieved 18 June 2019.
  37. ^ Hoffer, Christian (11 June 2019). "Dungeons & Dragons Clarifies Relationship Between Descent Into Avernus and Baldur's Gate III". ComicBook.com. Retrieved 28 December 2019.
  38. ^ Baldur's Gate 3 [@baldursgate3] (5 October 2020). "We've got a big surprise for Mac fans. Baldur's Gate 3 will also launch on Mac, tomorrow 10am PT! Now, Mac fans will very much be part of the Early Access journey" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 6 October 2020. Retrieved 5 October 2020 – via Twitter.
  39. ^ "Baldur's Gate 3 What Engine Does it Run on?". Hardcore Gamer. 5 August 2023.
  40. ^ "Baldur's Gate 3: What engine is BG3 built in?". Dot Esports. 18 September 2023.
  41. ^ "What Engine Does Baldur's Gate 3 Run On? – Answered". Prima Games. 14 November 2023.
  42. ^ Niemeyer, Kenneth. "The studio behind the biggest video game of 2023 says it won't make a sequel despite its enormous success". Business Insider. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  43. ^ Bailey, Kat; Valentine, Rebekah (26 March 2024). "Baldur's Gate 3: Director Swen Vincke Answers All Our Questions About Foregoing DLC, AAA Development, and More". IGN. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  44. ^ O'Connor, James (18 August 2020). "Baldur's Gate 3 Will Release In Early Access In September". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 19 August 2020. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
  45. ^ Larian Studios [@larianstudios] (23 September 2020). "We're delaying to October 6, by a week" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  46. ^ Watts, Steve (6 October 2020). "Baldur's Gate 3's Map Is Already Big In Early Access". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 23 April 2021. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
  47. ^ Ruppert, Liana (17 February 2021). "Baldur's Gate 3 Adds Druid Class, Loaded Dice Option, Better Cinematics, And Multiplayer". Game Informer. Archived from the original on 17 February 2021. Retrieved 17 February 2021.
  48. ^ Cranz, Alex (29 September 2022). "Google is shutting down Stadia". The Verge. Archived from the original on 29 September 2022. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
  49. ^ Vincke, Swen (23 February 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 launches on PS5 August 31". PlayStation.Blog. Sony Interactive Entertainment. Archived from the original on 24 February 2023. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  50. ^ Mahardy, Mike (29 June 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 will launch four weeks early on PC, delayed on PS5". Polygon. Archived from the original on 30 June 2023. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
  51. ^ Yin-Poole, Wesley (22 September 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3's Hefty Patch 3 and Mac Version Live Now, Patch Notes Once Again Too Big for Steam". IGN. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 22 September 2023.
  52. ^ Barker, Sammy (17 August 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 PS5 Publishing Rights Snagged by Spike Chunsoft in Japan". Push Square. Archived from the original on 17 August 2023. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
  53. ^ Palmer, Lauren (3 October 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 Japanese Version Release Date Decided". Siliconera. Archived from the original on 7 November 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2023.
  54. ^ Valentine, Rebekah; Stedman, Alex (8 December 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 Is Now Available on Xbox Series X/S". IGN. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  55. ^ Parrish, Ash (21 September 2023). "The next Baldur's Gate 3 patch will finally let you change your appearance". The Verge. Archived from the original on 4 October 2023. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
  56. ^ Yin-Poole, Wesley (30 November 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 Patch 5 Adds New Playable Epilogue With 3,589 Lines of Extra Dialogue, Much More". IGN. Archived from the original on 1 December 2023. Retrieved 2 December 2023.
  57. ^ Stedman, Alex (16 November 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 Physical Deluxe Edition Announced for Early 2024". IGN. Archived from the original on 17 November 2023. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
  58. ^ a b "Baldur's Gate 3 for PC Reviews". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 5 September 2023.
  59. ^ a b "Baldur's Gate 3 for Playstation 5 Reviews". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Archived from the original on 8 October 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  60. ^ a b "Baldur's Gate 3 for Xbox Series X Reviews". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  61. ^ a b "Baldur's Gate 3". OpenCritic. 7 August 2023. Archived from the original on 3 September 2023. Retrieved 5 September 2023.
  62. ^ Van Allen, Eric (29 August 2023). "Review: Baldur's Gate 3". Destructoid. Archived from the original on 6 September 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  63. ^ Zucosky, Andrew (30 August 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 review: staggering RPG opens up a world of possibilities". Digital Trends. Archived from the original on 6 September 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  64. ^ "EDGE Reviews Baldur's Gate 3 10/10 and other scores from Issue 389". 7 September 2023. Archived from the original on 7 September 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  65. ^ Cassidy, Ruth (16 August 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 review – a critical success, with critical failures". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on 18 August 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
  66. ^ Romano, Sal (20 December 2023). "Famitsu Review Scores: Issue 1829". Gematsu. Archived from the original on 20 December 2023. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
  67. ^ Broadwell, Josh (16 August 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 Review – A True Soul Stirrer". Game Informer. Archived from the original on 18 August 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
  68. ^ a b Jones, Ali (14 August 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 review: "A new gold standard for RPGs"". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on 17 August 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
  69. ^ Penzhorn, Sascha (18 August 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 Test: Ein historischer Rollenspiel-Meilenstein verdient eine historische Wertung". GameStar (in German). Archived from the original on 7 September 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  70. ^ Shive, Chris (10 August 2023). "Review: Baldur's Gate III". Hardcore Gamer. Archived from the original on 7 September 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  71. ^ Lloret, Alberto (6 August 2023). "Análisis Baldur's Gate 3, el juego de rol con el que llevas soñando toda tu vida". Hobby Consolas (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 6 August 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
  72. ^ Hafer, Leana (18 August 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 Review". IGN. Archived from the original on 10 November 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
  73. ^ "Baldur's Gate 3 : nouveau prétendant au GOTY 2023 et meilleur RPG de son temps !". Jeuxvideo.com (in French). 11 August 2023. Archived from the original on 11 August 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
  74. ^ Ruete, Borja (29 August 2023). "Análisis con nota de Baldur's Gate 3, la obra maestra del RPG occidental". MeriStation (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 7 September 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  75. ^ Brown, Andy (11 August 2023). "'Baldur's Gate 3' review: must-play fantasy rolls a critical hit". NME. Archived from the original on 6 September 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  76. ^ a b c d Brown, Fraser (16 August 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 review". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on 17 August 2023. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
  77. ^ Dammes, Matthias (16 August 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 im Test: Dieses Rollenspiel ist ein Kunst- und Meisterwerk". PC Games (in German). Archived from the original on 17 August 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
  78. ^ Kelly, Paul (10 August 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 review – an instant RPG classic". PCGamesN. Archived from the original on 18 August 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
  79. ^ Greenwald, Will; Cuevas, Zackery (25 August 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 Review". PCMag. Archived from the original on 7 September 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  80. ^ Jackson, Gita (18 August 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 is a masterpiece built on a bad tabletop game". Polygon. Archived from the original on 18 August 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
  81. ^ Adam, Khayl (5 September 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 Review (PS5)". Push Square. Archived from the original on 8 September 2023. Retrieved 8 September 2023.
  82. ^ Tucker, Jake (3 August 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 review – a natural 20". TechRadar. Archived from the original on 6 September 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  83. ^ Dellafrana, Danilo (17 August 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 – Recensione". The Games Machine (in Italian). Archived from the original on 6 September 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  84. ^ a b c Rueben, Nic (9 August 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 review – awe-inspiring D&D rendition is a towering landmark". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 6 September 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  85. ^ Terence, Antony (17 August 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 review – the die has been cast". VideoGamer.com. Archived from the original on 7 September 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  86. ^ a b Pestana, Pedro (9 August 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 – Análise". IGN Portugal (in European Portuguese). Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
  87. ^ a b c d e Moyer, Shane Robert (4 August 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 Review". Game Rant. Archived from the original on 8 August 2023. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
  88. ^ a b Sinha, Ravi. "Baldur's Gate 3 Review – Stand and Deliver". GamingBolt. Archived from the original on 7 August 2023. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
  89. ^ W-K, Edie. "Baldur's Gate 3 Review-in-Progress — Open wide and bear witness". Checkpoint. Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
  90. ^ Battaglia, Alex (12 August 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 PC tech review: polish that puts other AAA games to shame". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on 14 August 2023. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
  91. ^ Donovan, Imogen (4 August 2023). "'Baldur's Gate 3' overtakes 'Sons Of The Forest' to become Steam's second-biggest launch of 2023". NME. Archived from the original on 5 August 2023. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
  92. ^ Young, Rory (14 August 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 Hits New Concurrent Player Count Milestone". Game Rant. Archived from the original on 14 September 2023. Retrieved 14 September 2023.
  93. ^ Jonathan, Bolding (5 August 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 enters top 10 all-time peak Steam games, knocking Apex Legends out". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on 5 August 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  94. ^ Franzese, Tomas (4 August 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 launches to jaw-dropping success on Steam". Digital Trends. Archived from the original on 5 August 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  95. ^ Sinha, Ravi (4 August 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 Sold over 2.5 Million Units in Early Access". GamingBolt. Archived from the original on 7 August 2023. Retrieved 7 August 2023.
  96. ^ Fenlon, Wes (8 August 2023). "Larian's boss worried Baldur's Gate 3 had peaked in early access, so its massive 800K concurrent player launch was 'way, way beyond' expectations". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on 8 August 2023. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
  97. ^ "The Massive Xbox Leak: 11 Big Reveals". Kotaku. 20 September 2023. Archived from the original on 27 September 2023. Retrieved 26 September 2023.
  98. ^ Baldur's Gate 4 Isn't Next For Larian; Something Bigger Is Coming. GameSpot. 21 March 2024. Retrieved 23 March 2024 – via YouTube.
  99. ^ Purchase, Robert (14 July 2023). "Larian on signing Baldur's Gate 3, approaching a new era, and games you've never heard about". Eurogamer. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  100. ^ The Making of Divinity: Original Sin 2. Game Developers Conference. 18 March 2019. Retrieved 23 March 2024 – via YouTube.
  101. ^ Orland, Kyle (27 December 2023). "Ars Technica's best video games of 2023". Ars Technica. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
  102. ^ Ramée, Jordan (6 December 2023). "Baldur's Gate 3 is GameSpot's Game of the Year 2023". GameSpot. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  103. ^ West, Josh (February 2023). "The 25 best games of 2023". GamesRadar. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  104. ^ Hughes, Peter (28 November 2023). "These are the best video games of the year. All the award-winning releases at the Lenovo 3DJuegos Awards 2023". SamaGame. Retrieved 9 December 2023.
  105. ^ Yasif, Marcos (29 November 2023). "Estos son los mejores videojuegos del año. Todos los lanzamientos galardonados en los Premios 3DJuegos Lenovo 2023". 3DJuegos [es]. Archived from the original on 29 November 2023.
  106. ^ Savage, Phil (31 December 2023). "Game of the Year 2023: Baldur's Gate 3". PC Gamer. Retrieved 4 January 2023.
  107. ^ Gravelle, Cody (19 December 2023). "Screen Rant's 2023 Game of the Year". Screen Rant. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  108. ^ Willman, Chris (15 January 2021). "Hollywood Music in Media Awards Announces 2021 Nominees; Kenny Loggins Set for Lifetime Honor (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Archived from the original on 15 January 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  109. ^ "2021 MUSIC IN VISUAL MEDIA NOMINATIONS". Hollywood Music in Media Awards. Archived from the original on 3 December 2021. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  110. ^ Harris, Iain (29 September 2023). "Just one week left to vote for The Golden Joystick Awards 2023 – here are the nominees in full". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on 29 September 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  111. ^ Loveridge, Sam (10 November 2023). "Here are all the Golden Joystick Awards 2023 winners". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on 10 November 2023. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  112. ^ "2023 HMMA Nominations". HMMA. Archived from the original on 26 October 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  113. ^ "2023 HMMA Winners and Nominees". HMMA. Archived from the original on 20 November 2023. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
  114. ^ Makuch, Eddie. "All The Game Awards 2023 Winners Revealed". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 8 December 2023. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  115. ^ "Nominees". The Vtuber Awards. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
  116. ^ Chalk, Andy (3 January 2024). "Baldur's Gate 3 completes its Game of the Year sweep with top honor in the 2023 Steam Awards". PC Gamer. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  117. ^ McEvoy, Sophie (5 January 2024). "Baldur's Gate 3 leads New York Games Awards 2024 nominations". Gameindustry.biz. Retrieved 19 January 2024.
  118. ^ McEvoy, Sophie (24 January 2024). "Baldur's Gate 3 wins big at New York Game Awards 2024". Gameindustry.biz. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  119. ^ McEvoy, Sophie (11 January 2024). "Spider-Man 2 receives most nominations for 2024 DICE Awards". Gameindustry.biz. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
  120. ^ Chandler, Sam (15 February 2024). "The D.I.C.E. Awards 2024 winners & finalists". Shacknews. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  121. ^ Michael, Cale; Taifalos, Nicholas (18 February 2024). "Streamer Awards 2024: All results and winners for every category". Dot Esports. Gamurs. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  122. ^ Billson, Chantelle (15 March 2024). "Baldur's Gate 3 wins Outstanding Video Game at GLAAD Media Awards". Pink News. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  123. ^ Ivan, Tom (21 March 2024). "Baldur's Gate 3 wins Game of the Year at the Game Developers Choice Awards". Video Games Chronicle. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
  124. ^ Gardner, Matt (10 January 2024). "'Baldur's Gate 3', 'Thirsty Suitors' Lead 2024 Gayming Awards Nominees". Forbes. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
  125. ^ a b c d "Bafta Games Awards 2024: Baldur's Gate 3 wins game of the year". BBC News. 12 April 2024. Retrieved 12 April 2024.
  126. ^ a b c "The 60 Best Video Games of 2023". BAFTA. 14 December 2023. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  127. ^ a b c d Gerken, Tom (7 March 2024). "Bafta Games Awards 2024: Baldur's Gate 3 and Spider-Man lead nods". BBC News. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  128. ^ Baker, Kathryn (15 March 2024). "SFWA Announces the Finalists for the 59th Nebula Awards". SFWA. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
  129. ^ "2024 Hugo Awards". World Science Fiction Society. 29 March 2024. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  130. ^ "28th ANNUAL WEBBY AWARDS PEOPLE'S VOICE". Webby Awards. Retrieved 7 April 2024.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Baldur%27s_Gate_3&oldid=1219435087"