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The Upsides and Downsides of Baldur's Gate 3 Skipping DLC

Baldur's Gate 3 opts out of dedicated DLC, prompting a debate on the pros and cons of this unexpected decision.
The Upsides and Downsides of Baldur's Gate 3 Skipping DLC

Highlights

  • Larian Studios surprises fans with the absence of DLC or sequels for Baldur's Gate 3, despite its success and fan base anticipation.
  • Regular game patches have been enhancing gameplay and introducing new content to Baldur's Gate 3, serving as an alternative to traditional DLCs.
  • The choice to forgo DLCs may limit storytelling possibilities and revenue potential for Baldur's Gate 3, yet it could also safeguard creative freedom.

When it comes to modern gaming, the period after a game's launch can be as crucial as its pre-release hype. Usually, successful games receive additional content over time. For Baldur's Gate 3, players were eager for DLCs and expansions to enrich their adventures in The Forgotten Realms. However, the recent announcement from Larian Studios declaring no sequel or DLC for Baldur's Gate 3 has left the gaming community in shock, raising questions about the benefits of this decision for the developer.

Achieving remarkable success in a fiercely competitive market is no small feat. After Baldur's Gate 3 surpassed 10 million in sales and received numerous accolades at The Game Awards 2023, fans expected the game to evolve into a prominent franchise. Therefore, the abrupt decision to abandon this universe has surprised both loyal followers and new players. While Larian Studios has explained its reasoning, many envision an alternate scenario where the game dominates the industry.

No Expansions for BG3 Might Work in Favor of Larian Studios

Although the absence of Baldur's Gate 3 expansions may disappoint fans seeking more content in The Forgotten Realms, it does not signify the end of this universe. The game has received six patches since its release, with significant impacts extending beyond mere bug fixes.

Regular Updates Replace Traditional DLCs in BG3

These patches could be seen as standalone DLCs, such as Patch 5 that added a new epilogue and Patch 6 that introduced romantic animations for Valentine's Day. While the time between updates has increased, fans can anticipate fresh experiences in the diverse world of BG3.

Continuing with expansion packs and sequels could potentially constrain Larian Studios' creative freedom, a crucial element in the success of Baldur's Gate 3. DLCs often present challenges for developers, as their content may lack depth in terms of storyline and gameplay impact. Choosing to move on from this beloved world to explore new ventures might prove to be a wise decision.

Absence of DLCs Might Limit Untold Stories in BG3

Ending the saga of The Forgotten Realms in Baldur's Gate 3 leaves fans pondering what could have been with sequels and expansions. Despite the vastness of BG3, certain aspects could benefit from additional depth, like fans' desire for a romance involving Raphael the Cambion. While future updates may address these gaps, the dedicated focus of DLCs could have enhanced their delivery.

Although some believe Larian Studios is missing out on revenue opportunities by not offering DLCs, the decision aligns with a strategic vision. While fans speculate about the studio's next venture hinted by CEO Swen Vincke, the impact of skipping DLCs on Baldur's Gate 3's future remains uncertain.

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