The RPG genre has been incredibly popular since the 1970s and 80s, rising to prominence with the inception of tabletop games likeDungeons and Dragons, and finding a much wider audience with the introduction of video game RPGs like earlyFinal Fantasyentries andThe Elder Scrolls. Naturally,the RPG genrehas evolved a great deal in the last four or five decades, often being pushed forward in key ways by groundbreaking games. Games likeBaldur’s Gate 3.
The winner of multiple Game of the Year awards,Baldur’s Gate 3is widely considered to be one of the best video games of all time, and a groundbreaking entry in the RPG genre. With an extensive character-builder, a sprawling choice system, and a bevy of in-game abilities and actions,Baldur’s Gate 3offers an unprecedented amount of player-freedom.Baldur’s Gate 3has become the gold standard for Western RPGs, and it’d be amazing to see aStar Warsgame live up to those standards.
Star Wars Deserves an RPG on the Same Level as Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 Elevated the Franchise to New Heights
Baldur’s Gatehas always been a groundbreaking RPG series, with the sales numbers to match its critical acclaim. BioWare’s second video game release,1998’sBaldur’s Gateis believed to have almost single-handedly “saved” the computer RPG genre, with its scale, writing, and high level of player-freedom pushing the genre into a new age. The firstBaldur’s Gateis believed to have sold around 2.8 million copies in its lifetime.
Released just two years later,Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows of Amnalso received universal acclaim, essentially improving upon every aspect of BioWare’s revolutionary first entry. Just like the first game,Baldur’s Gate 2was seen as another groundbreaking entry in the Western RPG genre, elevating the entire genre to new heights. In five years,Baldur’s Gate 2had sold over 2 million copies.
Flash forward over two decades later, andBaldur’s Gate 3finally hits store shelves. No longer helmed by BioWare but insteadDivinity: Original Sin’s Larian Studios,Bladur’s Gate 3lived up to the lofty legacy of its predecessors, earning universal acclaim in its own right. But in terms of sales and widespread renown,Baldur’s Gate 3surpassed its predecessors quickly. As of November 2024,Baldur’s Gate 3had sold over 15 million copies, becoming the highest-selling entry in series history by a long shot.
Baldur’s Gate 3became a phenomenon, in a way that previous entries in the series just didn’t. With so many copies sold, so many awards won, and so many groundbreaking new features implemented,Baldur’s Gate 3truly elevated the series to new heights, and in the process madeBaldur’s Gatea household name.
It’s Been a Long, Long Time Since Star Wars Got a Proper RPG
ThoughStar Warsis already a household name, it’s been a long time since it was a name associated with a groundbreaking RPG. WhileStar Wars: The Old Republicis still putting out fairly well-received expansions, it’s been over a decade since the lastStar Warssingleplayer RPG was released, withObisidian’sStar Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2being the last in 2004.
It’s about timeStar Warswas given a new RPG experience, one that elevates the series to new heights and sets a new gold standard for not justStar Warsgames but the RPG genre as a whole, just asKnights of the Old Republicdid back in the early 2000s. It’s timeStar Warswas given theBaldur’s Gate 3treatment.
It’s The Perfect Time for a New Star Wars RPG
ThoughRespawn’sStar Wars Jediserieshas been received well,Star Wars Outlawshad some decent mechanics and ideas, and EA’sStar Wars Battlefrontseries has gained a loyal following, theStar Warsfranchise could use a change of pace, a game that doesn’t focus primarily on fast-paced action. This is where a newStar WarsRPG could come in, offering an array of complex companions, a sprawling choice system, and a level of player-freedom that’s unprecedented for the franchise.
Baldur’s Gate 3
WHERE TO PLAY
Abducted, infected, lost. You are turning into a monster, but as the corruption inside you grows, so does your power. Forge a tale of fellowship and betrayal, sacrifice and survival, and the lure of absolute power. Caught in a conflict between devils, deities, and sinister otherworldly forces, you and your party will determine the fate of the Forgotten Realms.THE ULTIMATE D&D EXPERIENCEChoose from a wide selection of D&D races and classes, or play as an origin character with a hand-crafted background. Adventure, loot, battle, and romance as you journey through the Forgotten Realms and beyond. Play alone or as a party of up to four in multiplayer – and select your companions carefully.A CINEMATIC STORYTELLING EPICForged with the new Divinity 4.0 engine, Baldur’s Gate 3 gives you unprecedented freedom to explore, experiment, and interact with a world that reacts to your choices. A grand, cinematic narrative brings you closer to your characters than ever before, as you venture through our biggest world yet. Romance, deceive, aid, obstruct, and grow alongside your friends thanks to Larian’s next-generation RPG engine.
