The Long and Winding Road: How Long Was Baldur's Gate 3 in Development?
Baldur's Gate 3, the highly anticipated RPG from Larian Studios, has finally arrived, captivating players with its immersive world, compelling story, and engaging gameplay. But how long did it take to bring this epic adventure to life?
The answer is a bit complicated, as the development journey spans over a decade.
From Humble Beginnings to Kickstarter Triumph
The story of Baldur's Gate 3's development starts in 2012 with Larian Studios working on Divinity: Original Sin. They were already experimenting with real-time combat in this game, paving the way for the mechanics seen in Baldur's Gate 3. However, it was during the Divinity: Original Sin 2 development that the seeds for Baldur's Gate 3 were truly sown.
In 2017, Larian Studios launched a Kickstarter campaign for a "Divinity: Original Sin 2" expansion focused on the Forgotten Realms setting. The project proved immensely popular, quickly surpassing its funding goal and eventually becoming the most-funded video game campaign on Kickstarter.
This overwhelming success convinced Larian Studios to shift gears and transform the expansion into a full-fledged Baldur's Gate 3.
Early Access and Refinement
Baldur's Gate 3 entered early access in October 2020. This period was crucial for Larian Studios, as it allowed them to gather feedback from players and refine the game's mechanics, story, and overall experience.
Larian Studios took a unique approach to early access, releasing major updates that often changed significant aspects of the game. This transparent development process allowed players to witness the game's evolution firsthand and participate in its shaping.
The Long Road to Release
After more than three years in early access, Baldur's Gate 3 finally launched for PC on August 31, 2023. The game has garnered critical acclaim, praised for its rich narrative, engaging combat, and deep character customization.
The entire development journey, from the initial concept to full release, has spanned over a decade, making Baldur's Gate 3 one of the longest-developed video games in recent memory.
The Rewards of Patience
While the wait for Baldur's Gate 3 has been long, the final product has lived up to the hype. The game's meticulous development and dedication to player feedback have yielded an unforgettable experience that showcases the potential of modern RPGs. Larian Studios has proven that patience and a commitment to quality can result in truly exceptional gaming experiences.
