Bioware Not Opening Baldur's Gate Again

LitShadowolf · Post by **LitShadowolf** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 4:26 pm

According to Beef Jack on July 9th, 2009:

Bioware are definitely not going to produce Baldur’s Gate 3, but Dragon Age: Origins is similar to what they would have done.

The rights to the Baldur’s Gate Licence have passed to Atari, meaning that because they are EA owned, Bioware will never be able to return to that universe. But in an interview with Bioware’s Vice President Greg Zeschuk, he had the following to say:
“The Baldur’s Gate and Dungeons and Dragons property is of course controlled by Atari, and owned originally by Hasbro, so it’s a complicated, convoluted way of getting there. For us it’s more a function of… because we weren’t in a position to do Baldur’s Gate… hey well let’s create our own! That’s effectively what this [Dragon Age: Origins] is. It’s funny, we took a page from Fallout, not Fallout 3 but Fallout 1. Fallout 1 was basically a game called Wasteland – that was the spiritual successor to Wasteland.”
He also went on to say that the company misses some of the characters they created for the franchise, and it is frustrating they weren’t able to return to them, but they did close out the series so that is something.

The company also have no regrets regarding the property, believe it was some of their best work at the time.

Well, there goes that chance of seeing a Baldur's Gate sequel from Bioware.

galraen · Post by **galraen** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 6:00 pm

LitShadowolf wrote: Well, there goes that chance of seeing a Baldur's Gate sequel from Bioware.

Thank god for that!

fable · Post by **fable** » Fri Jul 17, 2009 11:53 am

galraen wrote:Thank god for that!

Amen. Unfortunately, the only people these days who might do BG justice are indies without the money to afford the license.

Aqua-chan · Post by **Aqua-chan** » Fri Jul 17, 2009 12:14 pm

Baldur's Gate ended with Throne of Bhaal, end of story. What would be the point of continuing the title when D&D offers so many new avenues for adventure with interesting places and mythic characters? To rehash the old stuff would be tacky to say the least.

The regions covered by BG/Icewind/NWN/PS:T/ect are really only small chips off the block of mostly-untapped potential.

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Fri Jul 17, 2009 1:23 pm

fable wrote:Amen. Unfortunately, the only people these days who might do BG justice are indies without the money to afford the license.

Agreed...

I have mixed feelings about a BG3, even if it were produced by a skilled and creative indie. On the one hand, there's a part of me that is quite intrigued by the possibility. But, ultimately, I do think that the BG series is complete, and I think a sequel, no matter how well done, would spoil the series.

It is sort of like if you eat a wonderful meal that begins with really good bread.. moves to an appetizer... the main course and then finally desert.... and then, as you are basking replete in the fully satisfied afterglow of an amazing culinary experience.. somebody comes along and offers you another appetizer.
It doesn't really work.

Sain · Post by **Sain** » Fri Jul 17, 2009 3:22 pm

Ah, well, guess it's for the best. I highly doubt BGIII could have done anything but stain the reputation of the series.

Pellinore · Post by **Pellinore** » Fri Jul 17, 2009 3:43 pm

I agree as well. The story is over. The only way it could continue (IMO) would be for the protagonist's offspring to perpetuate it but it would be so cliche and weak. Best for it to be left alone. There are so many old, classic stories in the Dungeons and Dragons world for them to explore, the game is almost 40 years old so there is plenty of material. I would like for anything made in the future to be on the same engine and have the same strong writing but I know better...

fable · Post by **fable** » Fri Jul 17, 2009 4:09 pm

The one plot where I think returning to the old universe would work--and I said as much, a few years ago--would be if a new protagonist were to fit into a world with just one or two of the old party NPC members occasionally showing up; perhaps one even joining, or offering quests. Not hard to believe, given the lengthy lifespans of seemingly everything in that universe other than humans. But it would have to be handled with a refined touch, and that's just not something the game industry talent pool has shown.

Sir Redweed · Post by **Sir Redweed** » Sat Aug 01, 2009 8:50 pm

As long as a RPG game comes out with similar gameplay to BG it will be a hit no matter what storyline or setting.

fable · Post by **fable** » Sat Aug 01, 2009 9:47 pm

Sir Redweed wrote:As long as a RPG game comes out with similar gameplay to BG it will be a hit no matter what storyline or setting.

Based on what evidence? The closest thing to the BG series right now is Age of Decadence--probably better than BG2 in many ways, but do you hear any fanboys screaming about it? Most computer RPGers have long since abandoned 2D games for 3D, with more impressive graphics and full voicing.

Besides, storytelling and setting are very important in any true RPG.

SupaCat · Post by **SupaCat** » Sun Aug 02, 2009 6:52 am

fable wrote: probably better than BG2 in many ways,

And that is based on... what?

Anyway, I never saw the need for Bg 3, I never looked forward to it, since it would probably only be Baldur's gate in name.

I do expect more Baldur's gate Dark alliance sort of games (not that I'm happy with that).

ricksog · Post by **ricksog** » Wed Jun 08, 2011 5:29 am

Sir Redweed wrote:As long as a RPG game comes out with similar gameplay to BG it will be a hit no matter what storyline or setting.

Agree..I don't want to see again same carachters or locations, a Rpg just need BG gameplay (or similar) and D&D rules (Original or Advanced)..storyline's just a matter of choice, there are plenty of campaigns to produce good games for years..

DragonAge Origins made me hope for best, is the nearest to BG I've seen lately, but the choice to have only three classes, a party of four and the rules so simplified made it a not so memorable game (not like BG, anyway)..
Then DA2 waste even the good things the first had..

Infiltrator · Post by **Infiltrator** » Tue Oct 18, 2011 4:04 pm

It's for the better. Now we can remember BG2 as it finished on a great note.

Look at what they did with DA2, I shudder at the thought how they might ruin BG with EA and the new management whipping them to do some console-esque crap.