In RPG games, every decision matters as they shape the narrative, define characters and have the ability to craft the player’s journey through the game world. Baldur’s Gate 3 also follows the same rule and delves even deeper if players decide to embrace the evil.
Players can choose various roles, including that of an evil character which showcases the different sides of the game. Even CEO Swen Vincke urges players to embrace their evil within, on their second playthrough and pick the Dark Urge origin.
Unveiling the Moral Duality of Players with Swen Vincke
In an interview, Swen Vincke and Adam Smith delve deep into the consequences of player choices, character development, and the formula behind crafting a truly immersive RPG experience. They feel that at the core of Baldur’s Gate 3, players always struggle to pick the side between light and darkness.
Throughout the game, players are faced with choices that test their morality and resolve. Usually, in the first playthrough, they will decide to be morally correct and fight evil. But Vincke suggests players try to be evil on their 2nd playthrough and pick the Dark Urge origin as it shows the real value of their decisions.
It’s very hard to show lots of consequences in the evil playthrough that are actually happening. If you play the good playthrough, and then you play an evil playthrough, and then you realize how much the evil playthrough is affected by your choices, then you actually feel really evil. Which is why Dark Urge is such a good choice on the second playthrough.
By surrendering to the darkness within, players will unlock a different perspective on the narrative. They will start to notice that their world is getting emptier and emptier. Players will feel that they reach the end of the story very quickly. Regarding this, Lead Writer Adam Smith explained:
It is quicker because you get less sidequests along the way because a lot of people are dead. But you also get stuck into combat a lot more. So you have all these big meaty combats that you didn’t necessarily see the first time around.
However, Vincke knows that the Dark Urge ending may not be for everyone and that’s perfectly valid. But for those who are willing to embrace the shadows, this offers a rich and rewarding experience.
The Role of RPGs in Self-Exploration
The developers at Larian Studios hope that players will approach Baldur’s Gate 3 with an open mind and show some willingness to embrace their inner darkness. By prioritizing the player’s decision, game developers ensure that players feel empowered and that they are shaping their own unique journey within the game world.
Whether players decide to walk the path of light or surrender to the temptations of darkness, their journey will open up new possibilities, and new paths to explore. RPG games allow players to confront those choices in a safe and controlled environment.
As players learn more about the world of Baldur’s Gate 3, they’ll discover that the true power lies in the choices they make along the way. And maybe on their second playthrough, they’ll find that the road less traveled might lead them to discover new experiences.
