Summary
Baldur’s Gate 3, developed by Larian Studios, has been a groundbreaking entry in the CRPG genre. The game’s success has sparked conversations about what future titles in theBaldur’s Gateseries could learn from it, especially in terms of character design and player preferences. One of the most interesting insights comes from the data regarding player choices inBaldur’s Gate 3, particularly the statistics surrounding Origin characters. As the franchise looks forward, these insights should shape howBaldur’s Gate 4—or any successor—approaches character creation and storytelling.
One of themost telling statistics fromBaldur’s Gate 3is that over 93% of players chose to create a custom character rather than picking one of the Origin characters. This is a significant figure and speaks volumes about the players' desire to create their own original character to galavant in Faerun. The Dark Urge, a special Origin character that still allowed for a high degree of customization, was chosen by 15% of those players, but is a statistic that shouldn’t be ignored.
The Role of Baldur’s Gate 3’s Custom and Origin Characters in Player Engagement
Whether creating a custom hero or delving into the backstory of an Origin character, players value the freedom toshape their narrative inBaldur’s Gate 3. While custom characters offer a blank slate for player expression, Origin characters like Astarion or Shadowheart provide a pre-defined yet deeply customizable narrative framework, allowing players to explore complex story arcs from multiple angles—romantic, friendly, or even adversarial.
This is doubly important for theBaldur’s Gateseries, as the elements of the game are steeped inDungeons & Dragonslore and rules. The mind-blowing amount of ways that players can change their narrative is arguably what makes the game very popular even a year after its release.
Learning from the Standouts: Astarion, Shadowheart, and Gale
While custom characters are a popular choice inBaldur’s Gate 3, certain Origin characters—Astarion, Shadowheart, and Gale—stand out for their depth and complexity.Astarion, a vampire spawn wrestling with his darkimpulses; Shadowheart, a cleric whose mysterious past is entwined with a dark goddess; and Gale, a wizard from Waterdeep with a perilous link to ancient magic, all offer deeply human experiences.
What makes these three particularly compelling is the multifaceted nature of their stories.Gale, for example, grapples not only with his romantic entanglementsbut also with existential choices that could lead him to defy or even become a god. Each of these characters navigates a spectrum between light and darkness, with the potential to either embrace their darker natures or seek redemption. Beneath their fantastical exteriors, their stories resonate with deeply human themes—Shadowheart’s journey explores the importance of memories and found family, while Astarion’s tale is one of overcoming trauma and abuse.
The Challenge for Baldur’s Gate 4
Larian Studios will not be developingBaldur’s Gate 4, leaving the future of the series in the hands of another developer. Romance was undeniably a cornerstone ofBaldur’s Gate 3’s success, with players deeply engaging in the intimate connections offered by the game. For instance, Shadowheart alone has received 27 million kisses, while Astarion follows closely with 15 million. Larian’s commitment to refining romance scenes and perfecting the intimacy between characters is evident with how many tweaks they’ve continued to make to these scenes. With 658,000 players choosing to romance Halsin—30% of whom opted for his bear form, it also shows how being a little colorful with the choices helps too.
However, the game’s ability to craft meaningful nonromantic relationships is equally vital to its appeal.Take Astarion, for example: players who chose not to pursue a romance with him are rewarded with a moment in his personal arc where he poignantly reflects on how he’s never had a true friend until he met the player’s character. This moment is deeply significant, highlighting the contrast between his past superficial intimacies and the genuine connection he finally experiences.
Lessons for Future Baldur’s Gate Titles
Looking ahead to whatBaldur’s Gate 4could bring, it’s essential that the next developer takes these statistics to heart. The success ofBaldur’s Gate 3was not just in its mechanics or world-building, but in how it allowed players to engage with the story on their terms—whether through a custom avatar ora deeper fleshed-out Origin character. As fans await the next chapter in theBaldur’s Gatesaga, there’s hope that these lessons will be carried forward, creating a game that not only honors its predecessors but also pushes the boundaries of what aBGgame can be.
Baldur’s Gate 3
WHERE TO PLAY
Abducted, infected, lost. You are turning into a monster, but as the corruption inside you grows, so does your power. Forge a tale of fellowship and betrayal, sacrifice and survival, and the lure of absolute power. Caught in a conflict between devils, deities, and sinister otherworldly forces, you and your party will determine the fate of the Forgotten Realms.THE ULTIMATE D&D EXPERIENCEChoose from a wide selection of D&D races and classes, or play as an origin character with a hand-crafted background. Adventure, loot, battle, and romance as you journey through the Forgotten Realms and beyond. Play alone or as a party of up to four in multiplayer – and select your companions carefully.A CINEMATIC STORYTELLING EPICForged with the new Divinity 4.0 engine, Baldur’s Gate 3 gives you unprecedented freedom to explore, experiment, and interact with a world that reacts to your choices. A grand, cinematic narrative brings you closer to your characters than ever before, as you venture through our biggest world yet. Romance, deceive, aid, obstruct, and grow alongside your friends thanks to Larian’s next-generation RPG engine.
