The impact of Baldur’s Gate 3 on the RPG genre has been a topic of discussion among veteran developers. One key aspect that has been highlighted is the importance of creating a collaborative relationship with players. Carrie Patel, the game director behind Avowed and a senior narrative designer at Obsidian, emphasized the significance of providing players with meaningful choices that pay off. This philosophy of trusting in players’ creativity to engage with the game’s options has been reinforced by Baldur’s Gate 3, according to her. Developers can never go wrong by rewarding players and offering them opportunities to discover new things within the game. This player-centric approach is not only evident in Baldur’s Gate 3 but also resonates with Obsidian’s past titles such as Pillars of Eternity and The Outer Worlds.
Adrienne Bazir, the solo developer behind In Stars and Time, shared a similar perspective on the impact of Baldur’s Gate 3. Bazir praised the game for moving past the traditional moral binary choices seen in many RPGs. He pointed to games like Disco Elysium as examples of titles that offer players unconventional and quirky choices, rather than the standard hero versus villain decisions. This departure from the norm allows players to explore alternative narratives and push the boundaries of traditional storytelling. By presenting players with unexpected and bizarre choices, games like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Disco Elysium encourage players to think outside the box and engage with the medium in new and exciting ways.
Sarah Gruemmer, the acting lead quest designer for Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, offered a different perspective on the influence of Baldur’s Gate 3. Gruemmer acknowledged that Baldur’s Gate is rooted in Dungeons & Dragons, which sets it apart from other RPGs in terms of gameplay and narrative. While she had a more subdued response compared to other developers, Gruemmer recognized the importance of incorporating elements of player agency and unconventional choices into game design. The success of games like Baldur’s Gate 3 opens up new possibilities for developers, both large and small, to experiment with narrative structures, character options, and gameplay mechanics. By embracing the spirit of creativity and player empowerment that Baldur’s Gate 3 exemplifies, developers can continue to push the boundaries of the RPG genre and offer players unique and immersive gaming experiences.
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