When did Baldur’s Gate 3 start development? This question has intrigued fans of the iconic Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game series for years. The highly anticipated sequel to the beloved Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn, Baldur’s Gate 3 has been a topic of much speculation and anticipation. Let’s delve into the history of its development to understand the journey that led to this epic RPG’s creation.
The development of Baldur’s Gate 3 began in 2012, following the success of its predecessor, Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn, which was released in 2000. Black Isle Studios, the developers behind the original Baldur’s Gate and Baldur’s Gate II, were responsible for the initial stages of the project. However, the studio was acquired by Interplay Entertainment in 1996, and later by Atari in 2003, which led to a series of restructurings and changes in the development team.
After the closure of Black Isle Studios in 2003, the development of Baldur’s Gate 3 was put on hold. It wasn’t until 2012 that the project was revived by Obsidian Entertainment, a studio formed by former Black Isle employees. Obsidian had already gained a reputation for creating critically acclaimed RPGs, such as Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II – The Sith Lords and Fallout: New Vegas. With the expertise of the Obsidian team, the development of Baldur’s Gate 3 finally gained momentum.
The announcement of Baldur’s Gate 3 came as a surprise to many fans, as there had been no official word on the project’s status for years. The game was officially revealed during the PAX East 2017 event, where Obsidian showcased a gameplay trailer and provided details about the game’s story, setting, and gameplay mechanics. This announcement reignited the excitement and anticipation for the sequel, and fans eagerly awaited the release date.
Despite the long development timeline, Obsidian Entertainment faced several challenges during the creation of Baldur’s Gate 3. One of the most significant obstacles was the need to adapt the game to the new generation of consoles and PCs, which required a significant amount of technical work. Additionally, the game’s narrative and gameplay mechanics had to be carefully crafted to ensure that it lived up to the high expectations set by its predecessors.
The development of Baldur’s Gate 3 also involved collaboration with Wizards of the Coast, the publisher of Dungeons & Dragons. This partnership allowed Obsidian to access the latest rules and lore of the D&D universe, ensuring that the game would be a true successor to the Baldur’s Gate series. The game’s story, set in the Forgotten Realms, follows a new protagonist who must navigate the treacherous world of Thay, facing off against the forces of darkness and chaos.
In conclusion, the development of Baldur’s Gate 3 began in 2012, following the closure of Black Isle Studios and the subsequent acquisition by Obsidian Entertainment. The game’s long development timeline and the challenges faced by the development team have made it a highly anticipated title among RPG fans. With its release finally approaching, the world of Baldur’s Gate awaits the next chapter in its epic tale.
