Entertainment
HBO’s ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ Sequel Series Takes Its First Step in the Right Direction
Recently, it was announced that HBO will adapt 2023’s Game of the Year, Baldur’s Gate 3. So far, it has been confirmed that Craig Mazin was tapped as showrunner and teased what the series would be about. While an official cast list has yet to be announced, another big name has been added to the team, not in television, but in the Dungeons & Dragons space.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is a role-playing video game developed by Larian Studios, which takes place in the Dungeons & Dragons setting called the Forgotten Realms. After escaping a Mind Flayer ship, you and your companions attempt to find a solution to remove a parasitic tadpole before you turn into a Mind Flayer yourself. As you attempt to make your way to Baldur’s Gate, secrets and backstories are revealed, as well as uncovering a conspiracy that’s connected to a dangerous cult. What made Baldur’s Gate 3 beloved by many was the different outcomes it offered based on your actions and dialogue choices, the performance of its cast, how some of the game’s moments became internet memes, and how it’s reminiscent of playing actual D&D.
While Mazin has proven he can produce a good video game adaptation, as seen in The Last of Us, Baldur’s Gate 3 is different in terms of gameplay and storytelling, so it makes sense to tap someone with experience in the genre. According to Popverse, Chris Perkins, the former Head of Story at Wizards of the Coast and now part of Critical Role’s Darrington Press, has been tapped as a consultant. Perkins worked with Wizards of the Coast back in 1997 and was heavily involved with Dungeons & Dragons, serving as a senior producer, story manager, Lead story designer for 2016’s Curse of Strahd, and more. Knowing that Hasbro is also involved in the adaptation, it’s safe to say that this adaptation is in good hands, for now.
Will Larian Studios Also Be Involved With HBO’s ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ Series?
HBO’s Baldur’s Gate 3 series is set to take place after the events of the 2023 video game. However, due to the multiple endings that Baldur’s Gate 3 has, it’s unknown which ending it’s going to follow, if any at all. It’s a similar issue that Fallout Season 2 had to overcome in how it would address the many endings of New Vegas. Mazin has expressed his passion for Baldur’s Gate 3, stating he has put “nearly 1,000 hours” into the game and praising Larian Studios’ CEO, Swen Vincke, and his team for bringing this story to life.
Unfortunately, Larian Studios isn’t involved in the upcoming series. Vincke released a statement on social media, saying he’s eager to see which direction Craig and his team will take, both creatively and narratively. But when asked if any of Larian’s writers were going to consult the show, he replied with:
“Not to my knowledge. But Craig did reach out to ask if he could come over to the studio to speak with us. From the conversation we had, I think he truly is a big fan, which gives me hope.”
This was also confirmed by The Game Awards host, Geoff Keighley, who revealed on social media that Larian Studios has “no involvement” in the series.
HBO’s adaptation of Baldur’s Gate 3 has yet to announce a release date. Follow Collider to stay up to date with the latest updates.
- Released
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August 3, 2023
- ESRB
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M
- Developer(s)
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Larian Studios
- Publisher(s)
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Larian Studios
- Franchise
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Baldur’s Gate