Getting BG3 Made (for real)

RPG Guy (sorta) · Post by **RPG Guy (sorta)** » Thu Mar 15, 2007 7:34 pm

Why all the wishing and pissing/moaning?

Why doesn't this community organize and get the project made??? Is it THAT ridiculous of a notion?

I see 2 options:

Option A
Identify all the key people who made the BG experience what it is, track them down, and petition the crap out of them to make it or get it made. Attach enough names to the the petition and they'll have to recognize the market potential of doing so.

Option B
Raise the funds to license the creation of a third installment. I've read enough of these forums to know that there are some very intelligent and talented people on these boards who could make it with some organization and real intent. I'm not talking about any mod crap either. I mean, how many of you have a hobby that you're more passionate about? It sounds like there are easily a few hundred people here who would die to contribute talent/expertise to sucha grass roots project.

Ya, this may be a stupid/naive idea but I needed to throw it out there. Chew on it regardless.

DesR85 · Post by **DesR85** » Thu Mar 15, 2007 7:46 pm

If nobody is planning to expand the Baldur's Gate series, then it's time to let it go. No use wishing for something that will never happen. Bioware was one of the game developers behing the Baldur's Gate series, yes, but don't even think that they have plans to develop a possible Baldur's Gate 3 anytime soon (or even at all). When was Baldur's Gate 2 released? Back in 2002? With such a large time gap, it is safe to say that there will be no plans for a sequel.

Elessar-NWN · Post by **Elessar-NWN** » Sat Mar 17, 2007 12:02 pm

I've been formullating in my head a plot of BG3

It will be set 150 years after ToB, after a period of 100 years of peace, but one individual wants ot shatter that peace by gathering weapons that killed the Bhaalspawn. It wouild be called Baldur's Gate 3: Legacy of Bhaal.

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Sat Mar 17, 2007 12:45 pm

Hmmm...
I think the problem would be financing and obtaining the license...

However, that being said, if any such project were afoot, time permitting, I'd love to be involved. I have no tech skills to speak of, but I could certainly contribute story development and dialogue writing.

*sigh* If only it were doable... I can see it now, "Game Banshee Studios."

Elessar-NWN · Post by **Elessar-NWN** » Sat Mar 17, 2007 1:10 pm

Hmm.

Prelude:

Saradush: 100 Years after the Bhaalspawn War, its been moved and rebuilt, and you are forced into the Guard by a drunk friend. General Tombelthen taeks you to investigate rumours of Golbin Raids in the forest near ruined Riatavin. There, a dark emisarry attacks you and you save Tombelthen's life. Tombelthe moves him army North, and you are ordered to scout ahead to check if the lands of Amn are safe. however, a Goblin Army shoadws Tethyrs 3000 men.

RPG Guy (sorta) · Post by **RPG Guy (sorta)** » Sat Mar 17, 2007 2:15 pm

The passion of the people is our greatest strength. With a leader, vision, solid organization and planning,...it would surely be the best game ever made.

Imagine it, a game that:

-honors it predecessors in theme, tone
-takes the story-driven elements to unprecedented heights
-invests in NPC interactivity to the point where a player is compelled to play the game over and over again...just to experience the elements of each character and what they add to the experience (in meaningful...not just superficial ways)
-totally eliminates all the exploits identified by XYZ or THE HERO'S GUIDE
-a plot that utterly shatters the Realm

(drool)

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Sat Mar 17, 2007 3:23 pm

Please keep suggested stories and settings for a potential BG3 in the appropriate [url="http://http://www.gamebanshee.com/forums/baldurs-gate-iii-79/settings-and-story-in-bgiii-56775.html"]Settings and Story in BGIII[/url] thread. Elessar-NWN: You should know better.

De_Priester · Post by **De_Priester** » Sun Mar 18, 2007 7:12 am

dragon wench wrote:Hmmm...
I think the problem would be financing and obtaining the license...

However, that being said, if any such project were afoot, time permitting, I'd love to be involved. I have no tech skills to speak of, but I could certainly contribute story development and dialogue writing.

*sigh* If only it were doable... I can see it now, "Game Banshee Studios."

Counts double for me, I couldn't care less about the graphics, as long as the story is as great as the originals I'd buy it. Give me the gameplay and story and I'll play

DesR85 · Post by **DesR85** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 12:18 am

RPG Guy (sorta) wrote:The passion of the people is our greatest strength. With a leader, vision, solid organization and planning,...it would surely be the best game ever made.

And you will surely need somebody to pick up the licence. As far as I know, no game developer had picked up the licence for the Baldur's Gate series. In my opinion, I think this game is as good as dead already, given how long it's been since the last Baldur's Gate game was released.

RPG Guy (sorta) · Post by **RPG Guy (sorta)** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 1:30 am

DesR85 wrote:And you will surely need somebody to pick up the licence. As far as I know, no game developer had picked up the licence for the Baldur's Gate series. In my opinion, I think this game is as good as dead already, given how long it's been since the last Baldur's Gate game was released.

Probably true. I just like to challenge the assumptions a little. You'd be surprised what a little out-of-the-box thinking can accomplish.

Imagine this:

Imagine the BG license holder actually donating permission. If they're already convinced the license is dead or unworkable, why not donate it to the very loyal fanbase via trustee.

...donation subject to approval of the apha concept and subject to a preditermined profit structure, should this community knock their socks off in terms of concept, design and execution. Is it such an insane notion? I mean the license is just gathering dust somewhere. Contingent approval might work.

Nah...

alexales · Post by **alexales** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 4:27 pm

I'd be willing to pay any amount for a new installment. Having spent so much time with the first two - and enjoying every second of it - that money would be well spend. Honestly if someone would tell me "there is a new part out and it's just as good as BG2 and it will cost you 500 bucks to get it," I'd get it.
It does not have to be bigger and better graphicswise or offer more spells (how many different spells can a mage really use during one battle?) etc, if it's just as good as BG2 in terms of storyline and interaction between party members I'd be perfectly happy.
can you guys recommend any other similar games (other than Dungeon Siege, Icewind Dale or Neverwinternights) while i am waiting for that miracle to happen?

cheers, Alexa

Crenshinibon · Post by **Crenshinibon** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 6:02 pm

Even if that can't be done, I'm sure that it is possible to create an entire module. I'm fine with the system staying the way it is. Many advancements have been made to BGI and BGII + ToB, building upon that something could be done. Maybe something like actually having a way to import BG characters into NWN as was originally intended. I still think it's possible. I mean if there was a groub that made the single player game Grand Theft Auto multiplayer, then I'm sure there is a group of people that can do this.

Cyro · Post by **Cyro** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 5:27 am

I'm not sure I want it done. The Baldur's Gate series had it's run, by the end of ToB it was all wrapped up.

Wanting something of the BG series epic scope and experience is all well and good but BG itself is concluded. Let it be.

bluechincilla · Post by **bluechincilla** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 5:07 pm

I think the general concept of making a game is a good one, but I'd hate to see a Baldur's Gate III, especially one which might lose many of the running themes of the last two games. There would also be the problem of new unanswered questions at the end of the game which would require more sequels. Let the series stand as two of the greatest RPGs ever created, and use all that vision and creativity which there surely is to create a game from scratch free from the limitations of a pre-existing concept. Think how great a game made by fans for fans could be.

Gilliatt · Post by **Gilliatt** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 6:25 pm

Although the Baldur's Gate games are my favorite games ever, I don't wish for a BG III for the reason that have already been mentioned: the story has an end. If you wish to make similar games go ahead, but please don't try to add to something that is already complete. We all know that sequels often have a tendency to ruin series.

RPG Guy (sorta) · Post by **RPG Guy (sorta)** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 12:01 pm

Gilliatt wrote:Although the Baldur's Gate games are my favorite games ever, I don't wish for a BG III for the reason that have already been mentioned: the story has an end. If you wish to make similar games go ahead, but please don't try to add to something that is already complete. We all know that sequels often have a tendency to ruin series.

I disagree.

There are still two disgusting Bhaal spawn left in the Realms. Sarevok reborn and the LVL 30+ (whatever you played in BG1/BG2/ToB).

Your PC in BG3 starts as a LVL 1 (whatever) as the child of (insert one of dozens of antagonists who got killed by the PC in BG1/BG2). Your life's mission is to destroy the last vestiges of Murder worship in Faerun while exacting revenge for your family's coincidental destruction.

The BG2/ToB protagonist assumed the throne of his god-father but, despite any noble or disciplined intent, could not ultimately resist the true nature of his lineage in the universe. Now a LVL 40+ whatever, this menace must be addressed and while no one has the power or bravery to confront this task,...not even the combined wills of the land's great councils and guilds... your life can have no other meaning.

Bhaal is no more until Bhall is no more. There's still a Bhall out there. And he's a bad-azz mo-fo like you've never seen before.

(grin)

Crenshinibon · Post by **Crenshinibon** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 2:32 pm

Well, I'm beginning to see what they're saying. There is no longer a point to kill the Bhaalspawn. There is a new god of murder, the protagonist of the BG games has risen to godhood (or gave it up)

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 11:08 am

RPG Guy (sorta) wrote: The BG2/ToB protagonist assumed the throne of his god-father but, despite any noble or disciplined intent, could not ultimately resist the true nature of his lineage in the universe. Now a LVL 40+ whatever, this menace must be addressed and while no one has the power or bravery to confront this task,...not even the combined wills of the land's great councils and guilds... your life can have no other meaning.

Hmm.... interesting idea. Which perhaps means that the protagonist would have to kill her/his own father. This takes on the flavour of Greek mythology, I'm thinking particularly of Zeus overthrowing Cronos (who himself overthrew his father Uranus). And that tale also indicates a vicious cycle....

What would make this intriguing, I think anyway, would be to examine the background of the PC, especially her/his relationship to a father that might have been caring and nurturing on one hand, yet given to fits of violence and bloodlust.
This is quite different from having an amorphous dead god as a father, because there would be a very real relationship and reference point.
The PC would have to wrestle with the choice (duty?) of killing their father while realising all the while that she/he also carries the Bhaal taint. Perhaps in addition to murdering said father the PC, in the end would commit suicide, and maybe somewhere in mid-game (before that thought was fully developed) would decide to never have any children, thus finally ending the lineage.

Sorry... I have a natural tendency toward angst...

RPG Guy (sorta) · Post by **RPG Guy (sorta)** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 5:39 pm

dragon wench wrote: Sorry... I have a natural tendency toward angst...

Heheh...angst is good Wenchy

Seriously, if we had people like you, with your apparent literary talent/passion working on a hypothetical BG3, it would surely make Planescape look plainly plain by comparison.

That's why a project by the people, for the people, is such a powerful concept to me.

Sator · Post by **Sator** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 3:52 pm

The story, as important as it is, is one of the easiest aspects of the game we could work on. There are several other things to consider first:

1 - License: I don't think we need to buy a license if we make a freeware fan-made tribute game (much like the game Might and Magic Tribute, developed by the loyal M&M fans over at Might and Magic Tribute. As long as we clearly state the current copyright and we don't make a profit from it, i think it' legal to make a BG game.

2 - Coding/Modeling/Concept Art: We need talented programmers and artists that are willing to devote time and effort to the project, without expecting anything but glory and admiration by the BG community in return.

3 - We need a server and a forum, so we can upload files and discuss the development of the game. (i assume that this will be an international project)

4 - We need talented voice actors that speak proper English and at least semi-professional recording equipment to make a good rpg game's sound.

If we cover all that, a 3-4 year project will become a possibility

I myself can help out with concept art and imaging.. Modeling too maybe, but after a year or so. Writing as well, although my English isn't that developed. Also, we need someone who knows how a 2.5 D game is made, how all those sprites and things are connected in a BG like environment.