CRPG sequels often face challenges when dealing with multiple endings from previous installments. While games like Baldur's Gate 3 have managed to avoid these issues through a combination of established lore and transitioning ownership, franchises like Mass Effect and Dragon Age continue to grapple with canon complexities.

As video game development timelines lengthen and narratives become more intricate, ensuring continuity in sequels becomes increasingly problematic. Here's how the canon conundrum unfolds across these beloved RPG series:

The Canon Conundrum

Baldur's Gate 3 Sequel Dilemma

Sequels to games like Baldur's Gate 3 often struggle to address diverging storylines, making it challenging to incorporate all player choices from previous games. Canonizing specific outcomes becomes crucial for maintaining narrative coherence.

Establishing Canon in Baldur's Gate

With the transfer of rights from Larian Studios back to Wizards of the Coast, Baldur's Gate faces the task of solidifying its lore across different studios' interpretations. The protagonist's identity, pivotal decisions, and world-altering events must be carefully woven into the series' canon.

BioWare's Battle with Canon

Mass Effect 3's Canon Quandary

While Baldur's Gate navigates its canon transition smoothly, BioWare's Mass Effect series grapples with reconciling divergent endings and character choices. The aftermath of Mass Effect 3 presents a significant challenge for maintaining continuity in future installments.

Dragon Age: Dreadwolf's Narrative Threads

Dragon Age: Dreadwolf faces a similar predicament, where player decisions from past titles significantly impact the sequel's narrative arc. Choices regarding factions, relationships, and major plot points must be carefully canonized to ensure a cohesive storytelling experience.