Industry News / Upcoming Games

[OrlonKronsteen]

Seems like we'll be coming back to Baldur's Gate...

https://www.pcgamer.com/games/rpg/a-baldurs-gate-2-remake-is-apparently-in-development-with-the-original-co-lead-designer-returning/

You know, I have nothing against BG remakes. I'd always thought the EEs should have been remakes, with graphics updates (on par with, say, the POE games) and more stable engines. And I'm now at the point where the games are too dated for me to enjoy (I haven't played BG1 or 2 in nearly two years). But at this point, the enduring value in these games is as much about mods as it is about the original content. How happy are the old heads going to be to play without SCS?

They might, of course, attract new players. But if the goal is to bolster their D&D CRPG market base, why the fuck can't they create original IP?

BG4 is downright ridiculous imo. Gimme a break - or better yet, a new, original story.

 

[WarChiefZeke]

Well, since this is a remake, not a remaster, I don't think any of the old mods will work. Remakes are usually like a new game, using a new game engine, etc. Might be similar to what the Mafia 1 remake did?

Mafia: Definitive Edition - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

I know, i'm joking of course. They clearly plan to do some modern graphic remake using 5th edition rules.

But, not joking here, if they don't have modding tools and are not developing with those in mind they won't be doing the game justice and don't really understand the longevity of these games.

 

[O_Bruce]

Just learned about BG1 and BG2 getting a remake.

As an enjoyer of those two games, on one side I am glad. These two games are extraordinary important and dear to me, and so them receiving some attention makes me happy.

On the other hand, nowadays Baldur's Gate, as a IP, is mostly recognized through Larian's bullthing and OCs, which is very concerning for me. It is prime opportunity to screw BG1 and BG2 up by various means, either by modernizing it for Larian's audience or make them fit Larian's idea of canon.

There are other things that are concerning, but might be resolved upon game's release. You know, things like SCS, Ascension etc.

In short and without any further venom from me: I see a great opportunity and equally great reasons for concern.

 

[OrlonKronsteen]

Well, Larian is out of the picture now. As for emulating Larian's game design, that would likely be far too expensive and time consuming. I suspect it will remain a classical isometric title with cosmetic upgrades. I'd expect it to look more like Pillars of Eternity or Pathfinder than BG3.

The other thing is time: if they're aiming to use it to fill the gap until BG4, then they'll have to get moving. It makes me wonder if it's going to be a full remake? Will we see all the NPCs? All the side quests and content?

They could still completely screw it up, of course. But if that happens, we still have the originals. So I guess we'll just have to wait and see.