Despite the overwhelming popularity and acclaim surrounding Baldur’s Gate 3, uncertainty looms over the future of the franchise. Larian Studios has chosen to step away from the Baldur’s Gate intellectual property, opting instead to focus on original creations. This decision is particularly surprising given the success of BG3 and its significant impact on Larian’s reputation within the gaming community. The shake-up in personnel at Wizards of the Coast, the studio that initially sanctioned the game, has also exerted a considerable influence on this direction. As a result, discussions about which studio might take over development for a potential Baldur’s Gate 4 have garnered considerable attention, but opinions are mixed.
While speculation has turned to notable RPG developers like Obsidian and BioWare, many fans express concern that any successor to Larian will inevitably fall short of its achievements. The recent releases from both Obsidian and BioWare have received mixed reviews, contrasting sharply with the universal acclaim for BG3. Furthermore, emerging indie studios specializing in CRPGs, such as Owlcat Games and Tactical Adventures, also appear to face challenges when considering such a monumental task. Amidst all this, the original voice cast from BG3, particularly Neil Newbon, lauded for his portrayal of Astarion, have expressed their desire to reprise their roles.
Retaining BG3’s Beloved Cast in BG4
Maintaining Continuity: BG4 as a True Sequel
Neil Newbon has made it abundantly clear that he intends to continue embodying Astarion in any forthcoming installments, asserting that he would “have to be dead”to consider being recast, a sentiment reflected by many of his fellow voice actors. Several cast members have already reprised their roles in various live Dungeons & Dragons performances, with Newbon and fellow voice actress Samantha Béart (the voice of Karlach) frequently taking part. Despite Larian’s departure from the franchise, the enthusiasm and talent of the cast remain vibrant and eager for a potential reunion in a new game.
Newbon is not only known for his work in BG3 but also for his performances as Elijah Kamski in Detroit: Become Human and Karl Heisenberg in Resident Evil: Village.
Even with a fresh developer at the helm of BG4, forgetting the original cast would be a disservice to the profound impact they had on BG3. While introducing new characters to enrich the party dynamics is essential, it would be equally vital to retain some familiarity from the first game. Often, Baldur’s Gate 3 features references and characters from the earlier iterations of the series, and BG4 should honor this legacy. The continuity of these characters should not feel forced; rather, it should reflect the evolution of their storylines, especially considering where many characters find themselves at the end of BG3—such as Wyll and Astarion remaining in Baldur’s Gate after their victory over the Netherbrain.
The Possibility of a Time Skip for the BG3 Cast
Building on Previous Successes: A Creative Approach
Taking into consideration the events of BG3, which takes place over a century after the earlier games, a similar time skip for BG4—though shorter—would be beneficial. Extending the timeline by a decade or two would enable the returning cast to develop their new roles while remaining alive to fulfill them. This allows ample time for the city of Baldur’s Gate to recover from prior conflicts and adjustments to the power dynamics within the narrative.
Characters such as Astarion retain their youthful appearances, and Lae’zel does not age while in the Astral Plane. Shadowheart, being a half-elf, would experience only minor changes. Reviving characters in a similar manner to their return in BG2 would make narrative sense: foes like Sarevok could reemerge, while Jaheira and Minsc might become later-game allies. This approach not only celebrates the original cast but navigates the new creative direction from a different writing team.
Avoiding Past Pitfalls: Crafting Compelling Narratives
The Challenge of Legacy Characters
While Baldur’s Gate 3 is largely praised, fans of the franchise have expressed disappointment regarding the treatment of characters such as Viconia DeVir. Should BG4 repeat perceived missteps with beloved characters, it could stir significant backlash. Since BG3 has cemented itself firmly in the gaming narrative, developers will face scrutiny if they mismanage the returning cast.
Drastic alterations to well-established characters like Astarion could alienate the fanbase in a way that prior titles might not have experienced. This presents a unique challenge for the studio behind BG4: they must incorporate the established characters and narratives while respecting the distinct style and charm that Larian infused into BG3. Striking this balance is crucial to avoid unfavorable comparisons, especially as Larian embarks on its next project.
While the task of succeeding Larian’s work on Baldur’s Gate 3 is daunting, integrating memorable characters from the original cast can pave the way for BG4 to feel genuinely connected to its predecessor. By employing a strategic time skip, writers can address character evolution thoughtfully, ensuring the beloved aspects of the narrative are preserved. With actors like Neil Newbon eager for their continued involvement, it seems only logical to hearken back to those unforgettable performances.
Source: TheGamer