MOVIE NEWS – “I don’t think our writers can be matched.” A Baldur’s Gate 3 executive has one simple wish for the HBO series, and it comes down to respecting the RPG’s creators. Publishing head Michael Douse wants the game’s writers to get “the recognition they deserve”, and he hopes the characters meet the standard players expect.
After pulling in millions of players and cementing itself as 2023’s Game of the Year, Baldur’s Gate 3 is set to get a TV series from Craig Mazin, producer of The Last of Us (HBO). One of the most debated parts of that announcement is that Larian Studios, the team behind the fantasy RPG, will not be involved in the project. That means the people who brought Astarion, Karlach, Shadowheart, and the rest of the cast to life across the Forgotten Realms won’t have any say in the production. Because of that, one of the studio’s executives doubts the HBO story will reach the same heights as the video game, but he still has a clear request: respect the narrative built by the game’s writers and treat the heroes the show will feature with the care they’ve earned.
Michael Douse, head of publishing at Larian Studios, was among the many people who responded on social media once the Baldur’s Gate 3 series was confirmed. His reaction stood out to fans because it underscores the craft required to build a story as compelling as the one that won Game of the Year 2023. “I’ve invested the last 8-10 years of my life with the writers and creators of Baldur’s Gate 3, and they are the most incredible storytellers and creators in the industry,” he wrote in a post on X. “My only hope is that they receive the recognition they deserve and that the characters are represented at the same level as the game.”
In another message in the same X thread, Douse argues the HBO series may struggle to match the fantasy RPG because Larian Studios has unusually strong creators. “I don’t think anyone can match our writers,” he writes. “Our stories are crafted with fierce camaraderie and determination.” “I’ve watched them write and write, and thanks to their respect for the audience and the source material, they’ve created some of the best work I’ve ever played.” “I hope the TV series allows for the same depth.” Even so, Douse stops short of writing off Mazin’s work entirely, wrapping up with a reminder: “Don’t lose hope, but expect the best.” “That’s the key.”
What Do We Know About the Baldur’s Gate 3 Series?
HBO hasn’t offered many specifics about the Baldur’s Gate 3 series yet, but a few known points help outline the studio’s broad approach. The goal is not to retell the exact journey players take in the fantasy RPG, and Mazin reportedly wants the TV story to pick up immediately after the game’s events. There are still no confirmed actors or a firm plot description, but it’s known that the project’s producer has already contacted Larian Studios to arrange a visit and hold pre-production talks with the developer.
Source: 3djuegos
