Baldur's Gate

Baldur's Gate

Baldur's Gate is a legendary role-playing game series set in the Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms universe. The series follows epic adventures in the Sword Coast, featuring deep character development, tactical combat, and rich storytelling that has defined the CRPG genre for decades.

Category
Game
Release Year
1998
Origin
USA
Tags
RPG
Fantasy
D&D
Tactical Combat
Story-Rich

Detailed Overview Information

Basic Information

Full Name
Baldur's Gate Series
Aliases
BG, Baldur's Gate, Gate
Type
Computer role-playing game series
Release Year
1998
Status
Active with Baldur's Gate 3 (2023)
Origin
United States
Region
Not specified

Creation Information

Creator
BioWare (Original), Larian Studios (BG3)
Publisher
Interplay Entertainment, Atari, Wizards of the Coast, Larian Studios
Original Work
Baldur's Gate (1998)
Genre
Role-Playing, Fantasy, Tactical Combat, Story-Rich, Party-Based

Content Information

Synopsis
Set in the Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms universe, the series follows heroes on epic quests across the Sword Coast. Players create characters, gather companions, and embark on adventures involving gods, monsters, and political intrigue in a richly detailed fantasy world.
Main Characters
The Bhaalspawn (Player Character), Minsc and Boo, Jaheira, Imoen, Astarion, Shadowheart, Gale, Wyll, Lae'zel
Setting
The Sword Coast in the Forgotten Realms, including the city of Baldur's Gate, Candlekeep, Athkatla, and surrounding wilderness areas
Themes
Heroism, moral choices, friendship, power and corruption, destiny vs. free will, good vs. evil, personal growth
Target Audience
RPG enthusiasts, D&D fans, story-driven gamers, tactical combat lovers

Characters

Astarion Ancunin
Vampire Spawn / RogueFormer Cazador SpawnMaleAdult (Centuries old)

A charismatic vampire spawn and skilled rogue who was enslaved by the vampire lord Cazador for centuries. Astarion strug...

Abilities: Astarion Ancunin's Special Ability
Quotes:
"I was right there with you. As close as lovers."
"Darling, I've been waiting."
"Well, well... what have we here?"
VampireRogueCharismaticTraumatizedComplex
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Minsc
Ranger / BerserkerRashemen RangersMaleAdult

A beloved ranger from Rashemen accompanied by his "miniature giant space hamster" Boo. Minsc is simple-minded but pure o...

Abilities: Minsc's Special Ability
Quotes:
"Go for the eyes, Boo! GO FOR THE EYES!"
"Evil, meet my sword! SWORD, MEET EVIL!"
"Boo says what?"
RangerBerserkerLoyalSimpleHeroic
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Jaheira
Druid / HarperHarpersUnknown

A wise half-elf druid and Harper agent who serves as a mentor figure. Jaheira is deeply connected to nature and dedicate...

Abilities: Jaheira's Special Ability
Quotes:
""I am Jaheira.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
""This means everything to me.""
DruidHarperMentorWiseNature
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Shadowheart
Cleric of SharSharran CultUnknown

A half-elf cleric devoted to Shar. Shadowheart hides a painful past and wrestles with faith, duty, and the person she wa...

Abilities: Divine Domain: Trickery, Channel Divinity, Healing Word
Quotes:
"Some secrets are worth keeping."
"I keep my own counsel."
"Faith is a burden and a balm."
ClericMysteriousSharConflictedSecretive
View Details

Media Forms

Toy Lines
D&D miniatures, collectible figures, board game adaptations
Animated Series
None official, but extensive fan content
Live Action Films
None, but strong influence on D&D media
Comics
IDW Publishing D&D comics featuring similar settings
Video Games
Baldur's Gate (1998), Baldur's Gate II (2000), Baldur's Gate 3 (2023), Enhanced Editions
Merchandise
Art books, soundtracks, collector's editions, apparel, dice sets

Commercial Information

Box Office
N/A (Video Game Series)
Sales
Over 5 million copies across the series
Revenue
Hundreds of millions in revenue across all entries
Awards
Game of the Year awards, RPG of the Year, numerous industry accolades
Market Value
One of the most influential CRPG franchises
Licensing
Strong D&D licensing partnership with Wizards of the Coast

Fan Culture

Fanbase
Dedicated RPG and D&D community worldwide
Communities
Reddit communities, Steam forums, D&D Beyond, modding communities
Events
Gaming conventions, D&D events, speedrunning competitions
Quotes
'Go for the eyes, Boo!' 'You must gather your party before venturing forth.' 'Evil, meet my sword! SWORD, MEET EVIL!'
Memes
Minsc and Boo references, party gathering requirements, romance options
Cosplay
Character cosplay at gaming and fantasy conventions

Historical Development

1998
Original Baldur's Gate revolutionizes CRPGs with Infinity Engine
2000
Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn becomes a masterpiece of the genre
2012
Enhanced Editions revitalize the series for modern platforms
2020
Baldur's Gate 3 Early Access begins with Larian Studios
2023
Baldur's Gate 3 full release becomes Game of the Year
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