The recent release of Baldur’s Gate 3 has prompted veteran RPG developers to reflect on how the game has influenced their own approach to game development. In a PC Gamer RPG roundtable discussion, senior developers from various studios shared their thoughts on whether Baldur’s Gate 3 has set a new standard for the genre. While Larian Studios boss, Swen Vincke, remained non-committal with his response, other developers had more to say.
Carrie Patel, the game director behind Avowed and a senior narrative designer at Obsidian, highlighted the importance of fostering a collaborative relationship with players. She emphasized the value of providing players with meaningful options that truly pay off, allowing them to engage with the game on a deeper level. This philosophy, according to Patel, has long been embraced by her studio and is evident in games like Pillars of Eternity and The Outer Worlds.
Adrienne Bazir, the solo developer behind In Stars and Time, echoed Patel’s sentiments regarding player choices. She pointed to Disco Elysium as another example of a game that goes beyond traditional moral binaries in decision-making. Both Disco Elysium and Baldur’s Gate 3 present players with unconventional and often bizarre choices, encouraging them to think outside the box.
Bazir emphasized the importance of allowing players to experiment with the game medium and play with expectations. By moving past simplistic good versus evil choices, developers can empower players to explore unique and unexpected outcomes. She expressed her hope that developers, both big and small, would adopt a similar approach in their games.
Sarah Gruemmer, the acting lead quest designer for Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, offered a different perspective on Baldur’s Gate 3. She noted that the game’s roots in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) set it apart from other RPGs, leading to a more nuanced understanding of player choice and consequences.
While Gruemmer’s response was more reserved compared to others, her acknowledgment of the unique design philosophy behind Baldur’s Gate 3 suggests that the game has sparked critical conversations within the industry. The influence of Baldur’s Gate 3 on game development extends beyond traditional RPGs, prompting developers to reconsider their approach to player agency and narrative design.
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