Baldur’s Gate 3’s Influence on the Future of D&D

Baldur’s Gate 3 has made waves since its release — not just in the world of video games, but in how it might influence the future of Dungeons & Dragons. While it wasn’t produced by Wizards of the Coast, Larian Studios’ dedication to the source material and the 5e ruleset shows just how impactful a digital experience can be when it’s crafted with love and respect for the tabletop game.

This overlap between video games and tabletop RPGs isn’t exactly new, but it’s more pronounced now than ever. The line between these communities is increasingly blurred, with both audiences feeding off the same well of creativity and adventure. And Baldur’s Gate 3’s incredible success is the latest example of that.

Yet it also highlights something that’s been brewing for a while. There’s a growing perception — one I share — that while indie studios like Larian are embracing what makes D&D so iconic, Wizards of the Coast itself may be in danger of losing touch with that essence. Decisions at the executive level — focusing on monetization and flashy digital tools — might be steering the ship away from the spirit that made D&D resonate for generations.

Here’s the thing: there’s nothing wrong with virtual tabletops or beautiful digital tools. They have their place, especially for groups that can’t meet in person. But at the end of the day, D&D isn’t about 4K cutscenes or fancy spell animations. It’s about the fireball that lives in the mind’s eye, not on a screen. The players at the table — their choices, their imagination, their story — create a unique experience that even the best video game can’t replicate.

That’s why I think Wizards of the Coast would be wise to leverage Baldur’s Gate 3’s success as an entry point to tabletop gaming, not as a reason to build a virtual tabletop that mimics the video game experience. Show new players that what makes D&D magical is the freedom to create and the unbounded stories waiting at the table — not just digital spectacle.

There’s a real opportunity here: to introduce a new generation of players to the collaborative, limitless storytelling that only happens with dice, pencils, and friends around a table. And that’s what I want to see — an embrace of the imagination, not just the technology.

What do you think? How should Baldur’s Gate 3’s success shape the future of D&D? Let me know in the comments — I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Cheers,
Brian