View source for Baldur's Gate

{{short description|Franchise of fantasy role-playing video games}}
{{about|the series|the first video game in the series|Baldur's Gate (video game){{!}}''Baldur's Gate'' (video game)|other uses|Baldur's Gate (disambiguation){{!}}''Baldur's Gate'' (disambiguation)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox video game series
| title = Baldur's Gate
| image = Baldurs Gate stacked logo circa Enhanced Edition.png
| caption =
| creator =
| composer =
| platforms = {{cslist|[[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]|[[PlayStation 2]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[PlayStation 5]]|[[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]|[[Xbox One]]|[[Xbox Series X/S]]|[[GameCube]]|[[Game Boy Advance]]|[[macOS]]|[[Linux]]|[[Nintendo Switch|Switch]]|[[iOS]]|[[Android (operating system)|Android]]|[[Google Stadia|Stadia]]}}
| developer = {{ubl|[[BioWare]]|[[Snowblind Studios]]|Magic Pockets|[[Black Isle Studios]]|[[High Voltage Software]]|[[Beamdog]]|[[Larian Studios]]}}
| publisher = {{ubl|[[Black Isle Studios]]|[[Interplay Entertainment]]|[[Destination Software]]|[[Atari, Inc. (1993–present)|Atari]]|[[Beamdog]]|[[Larian Studios]]}}
| genre = [[Role-playing video game]]
| spinoffs =
| first release version = ''[[Baldur's Gate (video game)|Baldur's Gate]]''
| first release date   = December 21, 1998
| latest release version = ''[[Baldur's Gate 3]]''
| latest release date  = August 3, 2023
}}

'''''Baldur's Gate''''' is a series of [[role-playing video game]]s set in the [[Forgotten Realms]] ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' campaign setting. The series has been divided into two sub-series, known as the ''Bhaalspawn Saga'' and the ''Dark Alliance'', both taking place mostly within the [[Western Heartlands]], but the Bhaalspawn Saga extends to [[Amn (Forgotten Realms)|Amn]] and [[Tethyr]]. The ''Dark Alliance'' series was released for consoles and was critically and commercially successful. The ''Bhaalspawn Saga'' was critically acclaimed for using [[Time-keeping systems in games#Pausable real-time|pausable realtime]] gameplay, which is credited with revitalizing the computer role-playing game (CRPG) genre.

The ''Bhaalspawn Saga'' was originally developed by [[BioWare]] for [[personal computer]]s. [[Beamdog]] and its division [[Overhaul Games]] developed [[Video game remake|remakes]] of the original games in [[High-definition video|HD]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Carmichael |first=Stephanie |url=http://www.gamezone.com/products/baldur-s-gate/news/baldur-s-gate-enhanced-edition-confirmed-for-pc |title=Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition confirmed for PC |work=GameZone |date=May 4, 2012 |access-date=October 15, 2013 |archive-date=August 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120811162959/http://www.gamezone.com/products/baldur-s-gate/news/baldur-s-gate-enhanced-edition-confirmed-for-pc |url-status=live}}</ref> The ''Dark Alliance'' series was originally set to be developed by [[Snowblind Studios]], but ports were handled by [[Black Isle Studios]], [[High Voltage Software]], and Magic Pockets, with the second game developed by Black Isle.

Black Isle Studios had planned a third series to be set in the [[Dalelands]] and be a PC-exclusive [[hack and slash]] game with pausable real-time gameplay. The game would not have been connected to the Bhaalspawn Saga series. The game was cancelled when Interplay forfeited the ''D&D'' PC license to Atari.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.winterwind-productions.com/gaming/foletto_pt2/|title=Foletto explains the Black Hound|access-date=June 23, 2011|archive-date=April 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401050457/http://www.winterwind-productions.com/gaming/foletto_pt2/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The series was revived in 2012 with ''[[Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition]]'', an update of the original ''Baldur's Gate'' using an enhanced [[Infinity Engine]]. The release of the Enhanced Edition marked the first release in the series in eight years, and was followed by an enhanced edition of the second ''Baldur's Gate'' called ''[[Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ca.ign.com/articles/2012/07/26/baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-pricing-release-date-announced |title=Baldur's Gate – Enhanced Edition Pricing, Release Date Announced |work=IGN Canada |date=July 26, 2012 |access-date=October 15, 2013 |archive-date=January 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118014826/http://ca.ign.com/articles/2012/07/26/baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-pricing-release-date-announced |url-status=live}}</ref> Beamdog was granted permission to develop new games with the license, such as ''[[Baldur's Gate: Siege of Dragonspear]]'', an expansion for ''Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition''.<ref name="eurogamer.net">{{cite news|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-01-09-baldurs-gate-1-and-2-enhanced-edition-team-making-new-in-between-game|title=Baldur's Gate 1 & 2 Enhanced Edition team making new in-between game|website=eurogamer.net|date=January 9, 2015|access-date=January 13, 2015|archive-date=January 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112005154/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-01-09-baldurs-gate-1-and-2-enhanced-edition-team-making-new-in-between-game|url-status=live}}</ref> The license was later given to [[Larian Studios]], who developed and published ''[[Baldur's Gate 3]]'', released in 2023.

==Games==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Release
! scope="col" | Platforms
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
| {{sort|Baldur's Gate 1|''[[Baldur's Gate (video game)|Baldur's Gate]]''}}
| {{dts|1998|12|21}}
| rowspan="4" | [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[Classic Mac OS|Mac OS]]
| Developed by [[BioWare]]
|-
| {{sort|Baldur's Gate 1|''[[Baldur's Gate: Tales of the Sword Coast]]''}}
| {{dts|1999|04|30}}
| Expansion, developed by BioWare
|-
| {{sort|Baldur's Gate 2|''[[Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn]]''}}
| {{dts|2000|09|21}}
| Developed by BioWare
|-
| {{sort|Baldur's Gate 2|''[[Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal]]''}}
| {{dts|2001|06|22}}
| Expansion, developed by BioWare
|-
| ''[[Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance]]''
| {{dts|2001|12|04}}
| [[PlayStation 2|PS2]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], [[GameCube]], [[Game Boy Advance|GBA]], Windows, Mac OS, [[Linux]], [[PlayStation 4|PS4]], [[PlayStation 5|PS5]], [[Xbox One]], [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X/S]], [[Nintendo Switch|Switch]], [[iOS]]
| Spin-off, originally developed by [[Snowblind Studios]]
|-
| ''[[Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II]]''
| {{dts|2004|01|20}}
| PS2, Xbox, Windows, Mac OS, Linux, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch
| Spin-off, developed by [[Black Isle Studios]]
|-
| {{sort|Baldur's Gate 1|''[[Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition]]''}}
| {{dts|2012|11|28}}
| rowspan="2" | Windows, Mac OS, Linux, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, iOS, [[Android (operating system)|Android]]
 | rowspan="2" | Enhanced Edition, developed by [[Beamdog#Overhaul Games|Overhaul Games]]
|-
| {{sort|Baldur's Gate 2|''[[Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition]]''}}
| {{dts|2013|11|15}}
|-
| {{sort|Baldur's Gate 1|''[[Baldur's Gate: Siege of Dragonspear]]''}}
| {{dts|2016|03|31}}
| Windows, Mac OS, Linux, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, iOS
| Expansion, developed by [[Beamdog]]
|-
| {{sort|Baldur's Gate 3|''[[Baldur's Gate 3]]''}}
| August 3, 2023{{efn|An [[early access]] version of ''Baldur's Gate 3'' for [[Microsoft Windows]] and [[macOS]] was released on October 6, 2020.}}
| Windows, Mac OS, Linux, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
| Developed by [[Larian Studios]]
|}

The ''Baldur's Gate'' series brought technical advancements over role-playing video games of the past. BioWare's [[Infinity Engine]] offers a pre-rendered [[Isometric video game graphics|isometric worldview]], with [[Sprite (computer graphics)|sprite]]-based characters. ''Baldur's Gate'' was the third computer game to make use of the [[Lua programming language|Lua]] scripting language. The engine was used for ''[[Planescape: Torment]]'' and the [[Icewind Dale (series)|''Icewind Dale'' series]].

The earliest released in the series are based on a real-time modification of the second edition ''AD&D'' (''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'') ruleset. The player's party can have up to six members, either created by the player according to the ''AD&D'' rules or [[non-player character]]s (NPCs) recruited by the protagonist from the game world. 

''Baldur's Gate 3'' is based on ''Dungeons & Dragons'' 5th Edition, and the party is limited to 4 characters.

Numerous side quests and plot twists are associated with particular NPCs and can be activated if they are found in the player's party. Through extensive, context-dependent dialogue, many characters inside and outside the player's party are fleshed out and given an added level of complexity.

===Original series===
{{Main|Baldur's Gate (video game)|Baldur's Gate: Tales of the Sword Coast|Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn|Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal|Baldur's Gate 3}}

The first game in the series was ''Baldur's Gate'' and introduces the player character as an orphan who has been raised by the sage Gorion in the fortified library-monastery of [[Candlekeep]], south of [[Baldur's Gate (city)|Baldur's Gate]] and north of the kingdom of [[Amn (Forgotten Realms)|Amn]]. After an urgent departure from Candlekeep and a violent separation from their foster father, the protagonist searches for Gorion's allies and becomes involved with solving the region's iron crisis which has been mysteriously causing all metal to crumble, while avoiding or battling increasingly powerful enemies who have been tasked with taking their life. An expansion pack for Baldur's Gate called ''Tales of the Sword Coast'' did not add to the primary storyline, but presented the protagonist with more areas to explore along the [[Sword Coast]], more powerful enemies, more spells, and better equipment. It also allows the player character to reach higher levels of experience, made some general changes to gameplay, and altered the original game's final battle.

The sequel to ''Baldur's Gate'' was ''Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn''. The main character is captured by [[#Jon Irenicus|Jon Irenicus]] and must escape into the city of [[Athkatla]], the capital of Amn. Here the protagonist faces several different ways to figure out the reason behind the capture, as they journey through the region of Amn and the [[Underdark]]. The game presents a number of innovations over the first ''Baldur's Gate'' game, including further specialization of character classes, better graphics, and higher power levels. It also allowed more interaction with the game's joinable NPCs, including friendships, romances, and your own party members' interactions with one another. ''Throne of Bhaal'' is an expansion pack for ''Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn'', and includes both an expansion of the original game, such as new areas to explore, and a conclusion to the Bhaalspawn story arc started in the first ''Baldur's Gate'' game.

The third main title, ''Baldur's Gate 3'', was developed by [[Larian Studios]] in partnership with [[Wizards of the Coast]], which holds the license for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' IP. It was released in 2023 for Windows PC, [[MacOS|Mac OS]], [[PlayStation 5|PS5]], [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X/S]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/6/6/18655160/baldurs-gate-3-trailer-release-date-google-stadia-larian-studios |title=Baldur's Gate 3 announced for Stadia launch, watch the trailer here |website=Polygon |date=June 6, 2019 |access-date=June 8, 2019 |archive-date=June 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190619081054/https://www.polygon.com/2019/6/6/18655160/baldurs-gate-3-trailer-release-date-google-stadia-larian-studios |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Macgregor|first=Jody|date=July 9, 2021|title=Baldur's Gate 3 will release 'hopefully somewhere in 2022'|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/baldurs-gate-3-will-release-hopefully-somewhere-in-2022/|access-date=July 9, 2021|website=PC Gamer|archive-date=July 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712005805/https://www.pcgamer.com/baldurs-gate-3-will-release-hopefully-somewhere-in-2022/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=July 8, 2021|title=Baldur's Gate 3 {{!}} Panel From Hell 3|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2bmJe1lD_M|url-status=live|access-date=July 9, 2021|website=YouTube|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709202259/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2bmJe1lD_M}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/23509876/baldurs-gate-3-critical-role-matt-mercer-voice-cast | title = Baldur's Gate 3 adds Critical Role's Matt Mercer in 'critical role' | first = Michael | last = McWhertor | date = December 14, 2022 | access-date = December 23, 2022 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-date = December 23, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221223050811/https://www.polygon.com/23509876/baldurs-gate-3-critical-role-matt-mercer-voice-cast | url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Baldur's Gate 3 will release on August 3rd for PC|url=https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1086940?emclan=103582791464711919&emgid=3657534571513526776|access-date=July 7, 2023|website=Steam|archive-date=July 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707202652/https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1086940?emclan=103582791464711919&emgid=3657534571513526776|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=July 7, 2023|title=Panel From Hell: Release Showcase|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MW846h6FyU4|url-status=live|access-date=July 7, 2023|website=YouTube|archive-date=July 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707113356/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MW846h6FyU4}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Wesley |last=Yin-Poole |date=June 29, 2023 |title=Microsoft Engineers Helping Get Baldur's Gate 3 Split-Screen Working on Xbox Series S |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/microsoft-engineers-helping-get-baldurs-gate-3-split-screen-working-on-xbox-series-s |access-date=July 8, 2023 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=July 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708093010/https://www.ign.com/articles/microsoft-engineers-helping-get-baldurs-gate-3-split-screen-working-on-xbox-series-s |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Leonardo |last=Biazzi |date=August 31, 2023 |title=Baldur's Gate 3's Xbox release could be coming sooner than expected |url=https://dotesports.com/baldurs-gate/news/baldurs-gate-3s-xbox-release-could-be-coming-sooner-than-expected |access-date=August 31, 2023 |website=Dot Esports |language=en |archive-date=August 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831130837/https://dotesports.com/baldurs-gate/news/baldurs-gate-3s-xbox-release-could-be-coming-sooner-than-expected |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/baldurs-gate-3/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Baldur's Gate 3 for PC Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=August 9, 2023 |archive-date=August 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230809002659/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/baldurs-gate-3 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===''Dark Alliance''===
{{Main|Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance|Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II|Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance}}
The [[action role-playing game]] ''Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance'' was developed by [[Snowblind Studios]] and others, and released in 2001 for the [[PlayStation 2]] console, and later [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] and [[GameCube]] video game consoles. The game takes place in the city of ''Baldur's Gate'' and surrounding area and is set in the ''[[Forgotten Realms]]'' setting, with a ruleset derived from the [[Editions of Dungeons & Dragons#Dungeons & Dragons 3rd edition|3rd edition of Dungeon & Dragons]]; the plot is unrelated to previous PC games. The console version used an overhead third person view, and hack-and-slash [[dungeon crawl]] style gameplay. A [[Game Boy Advance]] version was released in 2004, with reduced graphics quality using an [[2.5D]] isometric type perspective. While all ports were very well received, the original for the PlayStation 2 was the only one that gained universal acclaim.

A sequel, ''[[Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II]]'' was developed by [[Black Isle Studios]] and released in 2004 for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox; the game used the same gameplay style as the original, and was also positively reviewed. The gameplay style was expanded to make the game more like a role-playing game, the ability to craft weapons, armor and amulets was added, ''Baldur's Gate'' became a hub city with the addition of a world map and being able to travel back to areas, making the game open world and many more side-quests were added as well as the ability to level up one's class.

Interplay Entertainment placed its entire catalogue of video game intellectual properties (IP) and assets up for sale, including that of ''Dark Alliance'' in 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/interplay-to-sell-entire-videogame-library-and-assets/|title=Interplay to sell entire videogame library and assets|website=pcgamer.com|date=September 8, 2016|last1=Donnelly|first1=Joe|access-date=September 10, 2016|archive-date=September 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910220751/http://www.pcgamer.com/interplay-to-sell-entire-videogame-library-and-assets/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|user=TrentOster|author=Trent Oster|number=774056623526416384|date=September 9, 2016|title=@psrandh I don't think we have a very good chance.}}</ref>

===Enhanced editions===
{{Main||Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition|Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition|Baldur's Gate: Siege of Dragonspear}}
The original game was remade in 2012 by [[Overhaul Games]] and [[Beamdog]], 14 years after the release of the original game. It was re-released on multiple platforms as ''[[Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition]]'', a collection of the original game and its expansion ''Tales of the Sword Coast''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5896538/they-hope-baldurs-gate-will-revive-the-classic-rpg |title=They Hope Baldur's Gate Will Revive The Classic RPG |work=Kotaku |date=March 27, 2012 |access-date=October 15, 2013 |archive-date=September 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130916201143/http://kotaku.com/5896538/they-hope-baldurs-gate-will-revive-the-classic-rpg |url-status=live}}</ref> A brand new expansion named ''[[Baldur's Gate: Siege of Dragonspear]]''<ref name="eurogamer.net"/> was released in 2016.

''[[Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition]]'', a remake of the second game, was released in 2013. It was developed by Overhaul Games for PC, Mac OS X, iOS, Linux and Android, featuring a modified version of the Infinity Engine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baldursgate.com/news/2012/03/15/announcing-baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition/ |title=Announcing Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition |date=March 15, 2012 |access-date=March 15, 2012 |publisher=Atari/Overhaul Games |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318023015/http://www.baldursgate.com/news/2012/03/15/announcing-baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition/ |archive-date=March 18, 2012}}</ref> The game features new content and widescreen compatibility, and utilized 2nd Edition D&D rules.<ref name="gamersnexus">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamersnexus.net/news/777-new-baldurs-gate-title-announced-servers-die |title=New Baldur's Gate Title Announced, Servers Go Down Instantly |author=Stephen Burke |date=March 15, 2012 |work=Gamers Nexus |access-date=March 15, 2012 |archive-date=March 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317225403/http://www.gamersnexus.net/news/777-new-baldurs-gate-title-announced-servers-die |url-status=live}}</ref> Beamdog also made enhanced versions of other Infinity Engine games, including ''[[Icewind Dale]]'', ''[[Planescape: Torment]]'' and ''[[Neverwinter Nights (2002 video game)|Neverwinter Nights]]''.

The enhanced versions were released for [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 4]], and [[Xbox One]] in 2019.

==Cancelled games==
=== ''Baldur's Gate III: The Black Hound'' ===
''[[Baldur's Gate III: The Black Hound]]'' (code named ''Jefferson'' and ''FR6'') was mentioned in early 2001 as a new game in the ''Baldur's Gate'' series to be made by [[Black Isle Studios]] using a new 3D engine.<ref name="banshee">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamebanshee.com/interviews/theblackhound1.php |title=The Black Hound Interview |author=Jon "Buck" Birnbaum |work=Gamebanshee |date=February 13, 2007 |access-date=September 15, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100205122510/http://gamebanshee.com/interviews/theblackhound1.php |archive-date=February 5, 2010}}</ref> The game was originally announced in 2002 and was said to have used the 3rd Edition ''Dungeons & Dragons'' ruleset. Many new gameplay features were also going to be added to fit the 3rd Edition Ruleset better, and elements from the ''Dark Alliance'' series would have also been borrowed. The game used the Jefferson Engine which featured 3D effects such as casting dynamic shadows.

''The Black Hound'' was originally going to be a departure from the high-powered epic of the Bhaalspawn saga to a low-key, role-playing plot. With protagonists progressing to around level four at the end of [[Black Isle Studios]]' typically large campaign and a hard cap at level eight, gameplay was refocussed to adventure, with emphasizing quests over combat. The game was only titled ''Baldur's Gate'' due to [[Interplay Entertainment|Interplay]] having lost the general ''D&D'' license to [[Atari, Inc. (formerly GT Interactive)|Atari]], but still retaining the right to make ''Baldur's Gate'' and ''Icewind Dale'' branded ''D&D'' games (the same reason as for ''[[Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance (series)|Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance]]''{{'}}s title).<ref name="banshee" /> The game was not going to be connected to the previous ''Baldur's Gate'' series in any way and would start a new series, the ''Black Hound'' series. It was to be a sequel in terms of gameplay and not story, although it would have continued some aspects of the ''Icewind Dale II'' story.

Development on ''Baldur's Gate III: The Black Hound'' was cancelled in 2003 and the third game in the ''Dark Alliance'' series was also cancelled in 2004 when Black Isle Studios was closed in the same year by parent company [[Interplay Entertainment|Interplay Entertainment Corp.]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/interplay-shuts-down-black-isle-studios/1100-6085243/|title=Interplay shuts down Black Isle Studios|last=Thorsen|first=Tor|date=December 12, 2003|website=GameSpot|access-date=September 18, 2018|archive-date=June 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610203225/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/interplay-shuts-down-black-isle-studios/1100-6085243/|url-status=live}}</ref> The engine for ''The Black Hound'' was re-purposed for the development of the similarly ill-fated ''[[Van Buren (Fallout 3)|Van Buren]]'' project, the working title for the eventual ''[[Fallout 3]]''. The game was 75% finished before it was canceled. Its cancellation happened due to Interplay losing the right to publish ''Baldur's Gate'' games on the PC yet retaining the ''Baldur's Gate'' name for consoles; the result of this was ''Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II''.

In an interview with Winterwind Productions, ''Black Hound'' developer Damien Foletto revealed the story and setting of the game, which would have been in the Dalelands. The player character would have been resting at their campsite when a woman chasing a Black Hound crashes in; she kills the hound, which dies on the player character 's lap. Accusing the player character of being in league with the dog, she is about to kill the player character as well, but the Riders of Archendale arrive and scare her off before questioning the player character. After a brief inquisition, the local magistrates tell the player character not to wander far because they may have more questions. The player's quest would involve finding out who the mad cleric was, what this has to do with them, why a black spirit hound follows them around, and why people can not leave the player character alone and do things for themselves instead.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.winterwind-productions.com/gaming/foletto_pt2/ |title=Damien Foletto on Baldur's Gate 3, The Black Hound, Fallout 3, Van Buren, Black Isle Studios |work=Winterwind-productions.com |access-date=October 15, 2013 |archive-date=April 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401050457/http://www.winterwind-productions.com/gaming/foletto_pt2/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

Atari stated in December 2008 in a press conference that the ''Baldur's Gate'' series (among others) would be revisited after 2009.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=323024 | title=Atari to revisit Baldur's, Test Drive | author=Tom Bramwell | date=December 2, 2008 | access-date=January 5, 2009 | website=EuroGamer | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081216015254/http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=323024 | archive-date= December 16, 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> As a personal side project, Sawyer continued work on ''The Black Hound'' as a module for ''[[Neverwinter Nights 2]]'' for a time.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://the-black-hound.com/blog/?p=36 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090426081046/https://the-black-hound.com/blog/?p=36 | archive-date=April 26, 2009 | title=regular work interferes | author=Josh Sawyer | work=The Herald of Archenbridge: The Black Hound Blog | date=January 25, 2009}}</ref>

=== ''Baldur's Gate 3'' by Overhaul Games ===
After finishing the Enhanced Editions of ''Baldur's Gate'' and ''Baldur's Gate II'', Overhaul Games announced to develop ''Baldur's Gate 3'' with funding from Kickstarter.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2012/03/20/former-bioware-developer-making-baldurs-gate-3-a-long-term-goal |title=Former BioWare Developer Making "Baldur's Gate 3" A Long-Term Goal |work=Crunchyroll |date=March 20, 2012 |access-date=October 15, 2013 |archive-date=January 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112082844/http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2012/03/20/former-bioware-developer-making-baldurs-gate-3-a-long-term-goal |url-status=live}}</ref> The studio later clarified their ''Baldur's Gate'' game to be a separate game from ''The Black Hound''.<ref>{{cite twitter |author=Trent Oster |user=TrentOster |number=195534536350765056 |title=@kunikos @jesawyer I think Josh is doing well over at Obsidian. If a #BG3 were to happen we would go another direction than the Black Hound |date=April 26, 2012 |access-date=October 15, 2013}}</ref> Game developer Trent Oster suggested [[Thay (Forgotten Realms)|Thay]]<ref>{{cite tweet|user=TrentOster|author=Trent Oster|number=213497024635604993|date=June 15, 2012|title=Hmm, Thay. I like Thay. Might have to do something there sometime in the future.}}</ref> and [[Waterdeep (city)|Waterdeep]]<ref>{{cite tweet|user=TrentOster|author=Trent Oster|number=213455923421777921|date=June 15, 2012|title=I think Waterdeep could be a fun setting. The Forgotten Realms has a ton of interesting locales all waiting for game-making}}</ref> as possible settings for the game. Beamdog began calling the game ''Baldur's Gate Next'' as a way to differentiate it from the Bhaalspawn Saga.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nowgamer.com/news/1727903/baldurs_gate_3_could_happen_just_not_like_you_expected.html |title=Baldur's Gate 3 Could Happen, Just Not Like You Expected |work=NowGamer |date=December 17, 2012 |access-date=October 15, 2013 |archive-date=January 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123163619/http://www.nowgamer.com/news/1727903/baldurs_gate_3_could_happen_just_not_like_you_expected.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Overhaul Games and Beamdog eventually lost the rights to develop further ''Baldur's Gate'' games and the license was later acquired by [[Larian Studios]], the Belgian developer behind the ''[[Divinity: Original Sin]]'' series. Their project, ''[[Baldur's Gate 3]]'', was unveiled in 2019 and released four years later.

==Characters==
The ''Baldur's Gate'' series features a wide array of characters. Some characters can be recruited by the player as [[Party (role-playing games)|party members]] and accompany the player character in their adventures. Other major characters influence the plot of the game but are [[non-player characters|not playable characters]], serving as either antagonists or supporting characters in their interactions with the player character. The player character for the main series is fully customizable, whereas the ''Dark Alliance'' sub-series feature a choice of defined characters for the player to choose from.

* '''Aerie''' is an [[Elf (Dungeons & Dragons)#Forgotten Realms|avariel]], an elven subspecies that possess wings, but she lost hers as a child when she was imprisoned in a circus by slavers.<ref name="TheGamer"/> She was eventually rescued and restored to health by Quayle, a [[Gnome (Dungeons & Dragons)|gnome]] and potential companion in ''Baldur's Gate''. Aerie is relatively young and inexperienced during the events of ''Baldur's Gate II'', and embodies the [[damsel in distress]] archetype.<ref name="Shacknews"/> She is a recruitable companion, and potential love interest for a male player character in ''Shadows of Amn''; if the romance continues into the ''Throne of Bhaal'', she will eventually bear the player character's child.<ref name="Romance"/>
* '''Allessia Faithhammer''' is one of the player characters of ''Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II''. She is a [[Cleric (Dungeons & Dragons)|Cleric]] of [[Helm (Forgotten Realms)|Helm]], the god of guardians, protection and protectors. She travels to Baldur's Gate during the events of ''Dark Alliance II'' after hearing of the troubles in the city. ''PC Gamer'' likened her to a medieval version of [[RoboCop (character)|RoboCop]], a "do-gooder bound to protect the innocent and serving the public", and who "has a neat range of magical attacks at her disposal".<ref name="History"/>
* '''Anomen Delryn''' is a warrior priest of Helm, and an acolyte of the Most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart. Deeply insecure due to his father's treatment of him, Anomen presents himself as a vain and arrogant character, frequently bragging about battles he most likely never fought. He is a potential companion, as well as love interest in ''Shadows of Amn'' if the player character is female. Depending on the player's actions, he may succeed or fail at his knighthood quest to ascend as a full member of his Order, the outcome of which changes his personality and in-game alignment.<ref name="Romance"/> [[David Gaider]] noted that Anomen's [[Romantic fantasy|romance]] [[subplot]] was his first attempt as a writer employed by Bioware.<ref name="Shacknews"/>
* '''Edwin Odesseiron''' is a haughty member of the [[Red Wizards of Thay]] who seeks the player character's cooperation to kill a potential companion, the witch Dynaheir, and will join the party if the player character agrees to help him. He may also be recruited in ''Shadows of Amn'', where he may be encountered as an agent employed by the [[List of Forgotten Realms characters#Shadow Thieves|Shadow Thieves of Amn]]. Progressing Edwin's personal side quest to pursue the Nether Scrolls will result in him changing sex after he attempts to invoke the scroll's power; while the story arc itself is treated as purely comic relief with no connection whatsoever to a [[transphobia|real-world issue]], Esther MacCallum-Stewart noted the subplot as an early example of an [[LGBT themes in video games|LGBT theme]] being included in a Bioware-made RPG.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_cNJDAAAQBAJ&q=edwina+bogost&pg=PT200|title=Gender and Sexuality in Contemporary Popular Fantasy: Beyond boy wizards and kick-ass chicks|author1=Jude Roberts|author2=Esther MacCallum-Stewart|date=June 3, 2016|publisher=Routledge|isbn=97813-1713-053-6|access-date=March 7, 2020|archive-date=September 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918062818/https://books.google.com/books?id=_cNJDAAAQBAJ&q=edwina+bogost&pg=PT200|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''Imoen''' is the player character's childhood friend and fellow ward of their foster father Gorion, living in [[Candlekeep]] where they were raised.<ref name=carr_burn06>{{Cite book | author1=Carr, Diane | author2=Burn, Andrew | title=Computer games: text, narrative and play | chapter=Baldur's Gate | pages=31–33 | publisher=Polity | year=2006 | isbn=0-7456-3400-1}}</ref> She is a loyal companion throughout the original ''Baldur's Gate'' series, and her skills as an expert thief may be put to use throughout the series.<ref name="History"/> Childlike and naive by nature, she is forced to endure a series of traumatic experiences during ''Shadows of Amn''; she is tortured along with the rest of her companions, and is later arrested and incarcerated by an organisation of magic-users known as the Cowled Wizards for unlicensed magic use.<ref name="Gamezone"/> Imoen's popularity with the ''Baldur Gate'' series fandom was not anticipated by Bioware; the original purpose of her inclusion in ''Baldur's Gate'' was to "fill a non-psychotic-thief gap in the early levels" late in the development cycle.<ref>{{cite web<!--|author=Staff -->|date=December 23, 2008 |url=http://rpgvault.ign.com/articles/940/940545p1.html |title=Baldur's Gate Memories |website=IGN |access-date=January 10, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113111959/http://rpgvault.ign.com/articles/940/940545p1.html |archive-date=January 13, 2009}}</ref> 
* '''Jaheira''' is a [[Half-elf (Dungeons & Dragons)|half-elf]] [[Druid (Dungeons & Dragons)|warrior druid]] and member of the Harpers, a semi-secret organization dedicated to promoting good and maintaining a balance between civilization and nature. Gorion leaves instructions for the player character to meet her and her husband Khalid after he is killed, although it is optional to recruit the couple into the party. Jaheira is available as a companion in the beginning of ''Shadows of Amn'', and is revealed to be widowed soon afterwards. She is a potential love interest for a male player character if certain conditions are met; Gaider noted the romantic subplot itself was lengthy in terms of content, but riddled with [[Software bug|bugs]].<ref name="Shacknews"/> Jaheira is one of the most popular and well-regarded characters in the ''Baldur's Gate'' series.<ref name="TheGamer"/><ref name="Gameinformer"/>
* '''Jan Jansen''' is a [[gnome (Dungeons & Dragons)|gnome]], a race with an average lifespan of over 350 years,<ref name="TheGamer"/> and the eccentric inventor of multiple gadgets which only he knows how to use, and tends to ramble on with lengthy stories that never get to the point.<ref name="Shacknews"/> He is a recruitable companion in ''Shadows of Amn''; he is encountered peddling his wares in the city of Amn, which in actuality are dangerous weapons in their own right.
* '''Jon Irenicus''' is the chief antagonist of ''Shadows of Amn''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/03/31/baldurs-gate-siege-of-dragonspear-embraces-the-past-and-present/|title=Baldur's Gate: Siege of Dragonspear embraces the past and present|last=Wilson|first=Jason|date=March 31, 2016|work=VentureBeat|access-date=February 1, 2021|archive-date=September 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913183259/https://venturebeat.com/2016/03/31/baldurs-gate-siege-of-dragonspear-embraces-the-past-and-present/|url-status=live}}</ref> He is a cold and calculating mage who was first encountered torturing the player character with powerful magic, as part of his experiments in order to divulge the mysteries of their divine ancestry. Originally an [[Elf (Dungeons & Dragons)|elf]] known as "Joneleth", he was exiled from his home city of Suldanessellar by its ruler Queen Ellesime as a result of his hubris to attain godhood.
* '''Khalid''' is an effete half-elf [[Fighter (Dungeons & Dragons)|fighter]], member of the Harpers and husband of Jaheira. He is a nervous, peace-loving warrior with a pronounced stutter.<ref name="History"/> Khalid, like certain other companions, comes with Jaheira as an inseparable pair; if one leaves or is removed the party, the other will follow suit.<ref name="Best and Worst"/> Khalid is murdered by Irenicus in ''Shadows of Amn'', widowing Jaheira and leaving her with [[survivor's guilt]].<ref name="Romance"/> 
* '''Korgan Bloodaxe''' is an evil-aligned [[Dwarf (Dungeons & Dragons)|dwarven]] [[berserker]], who could be found at the Copper Coronet Inn. He is highly rated as a worthy companion, not only for his combat skills which would prove invaluable for an evil-aligned party, but also for the quality of the banter between him and any good-aligned characters in the party.<ref name="History"/><ref name="TheGamer"/>
* '''[[Minsc]]''' is a berserker [[Ranger (Dungeons & Dragons)|ranger]] from the human nation of Rashemen, with a strong though somewhat unhinged desire to uphold good and be heroic. His animal companion is a hamster named Boo, who he believes is a "miniature giant space hamster" and consults for advice.<ref name="Gameinformer"/> Minsc is originally tasked with serving as a bodyguard to the Rashemi witch Dynaheir as part of his rite of passage, and is inseparable from her once she is rescued. He is a potentially recruitable companion throughout the original ''Baldur's Gate'' series, outliving Dynaheir, who is murdered by Irenicus prior to the events of ''Shadows of Amn''.
* '''Sarevok Anchev''' is the chief antagonist of ''Baldur’s Gate'', and as a mortal spawn of the dead God of Murder Bhaal, the half-brother of the player character. As a child he was the would-be victim of a sacrificial ritual which was stopped by Gorion and the Harpers, and was later adopted by a member of a mercantile organization known as the Iron Throne, Rieltar Anchev. Sarevok's foster father is a central figure in fomenting the iron crisis in ''Baldur's Gate'' to gain power for the Iron Throne, as well as the doppelganger infiltration of merchant rivals. His goal is to take advantage of the ensuring chaos orchestrated by the Iron Throne to kill his fellow Bhaalspawn and ascend into divinity himself.<ref name="History"/> Sarevok reappears in ''Throne of Bhaal'' where the player character may restore him to life and recruit him as a party member.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/throne-of-bhaal-nears-completion/1100-2702916/|title=Throne of Bhaal Nears Completion|last=Casavin|first=Greg|date=May 17, 2006|work=Gamespot|access-date=March 6, 2020|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308052515/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/throne-of-bhaal-nears-completion/1100-2702916/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''Vahn''' is one of the player characters of ''Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance''. He is an Arcane Archer, known for their ability to shoot arrows with unerring accuracy, often with additional magical effects. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time, Vahn quickly finds himself mired in the political and social upheaval of the city of Baldur's Gate, and up against the Dark Alliance led by Eldrith the Betrayer, the main antagonist of ''Dark Alliance''.<ref name="History"/>
* '''Viconia DeVir''' is a [[drow]] [[Outcast (person)|outcast]] and Cleric of Shar, the goddess of darkness, night, and loss. She is a recruitable companion throughout the original ''Baldur's Gate'' series, and a potential love interest for a male player character in ''Shadows of Amn'', embodying the [[femme fatale]] archetype;<ref name="Shacknews"/> if her relationship with the player character continues into ''Throne of Bhaal'', a possible ending in the game's epilogue would reveal that Viconia is murdered by agents of the drow goddess [[Lolth]].<ref name="TheGamer"/>
* '''Yoshimo''' is a bounty hunter [[Rogue (Dungeons & Dragons)|rogue]] from [[Kara-Tur]] who is encountered in Irenicus' complex early in ''Shadows of Amn'', and offers to join the party in order to increase their odds of escape and survival. If taken to Spellhold, where Irenicus and Imoen are incarcerated by the Cowled Wizards, Yoshimo reveals the terrible secret he had been hiding: he was under the thrall of Irenicus all along, and his purpose is to betray the player character as part of the mage's contingency plan.<ref name="Cornerstone"/> He dies in battle with the party regardless of the player character's choices.<ref name="Best and Worst"/> Yoshimo is the only ''Shadows of Amn'' companion who is not available for the player character to recruit in ''Throne of Bhaal''.

In addition, a [[Forgotten Realms#Characters|number of major ''Forgotten Realms'' characters]] make guest appearances throughout the ''Baldur's Gate'' series, such as [[Drizzt Do'Urden]], [[Elminster]], and [[Volothamp Geddarm]].

==Adaptations==
[[Philip Athans]], editor of the ''Forgotten Realms'' novel line, wrote the first two novels in the ''Baldur's Gate'' trilogy of novels: ''Baldur's Gate'' and ''Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn'', both are novelizations of the video game series' storylines. The novels follow the basic outline of the original stories, but eschew several of the games' numerous subplots and include only a few of the NPCs. The Bhaalspawn main character is named Abdel Adrian in the novels. The third novel, ''Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal'', was authored by [[Drew Karpyshyn]].

* {{cite book | title=Baldur's Gate: A Novelization | publisher=[[Wizards of the Coast]] | isbn=978-0-7869-1525-5 | last=Athans | first=Philip | date=June 1999 | author-link=Philip Athans | url=https://archive.org/details/baldursgate0000atha}}
* {{cite book | title=Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn | publisher=[[Wizards of the Coast]] | isbn=978-0-7869-1569-9 | last=Athans | first=Philip | date=September 2000 | author-link=Philip Athans | url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780786915699}}
* {{cite book | title=Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal | publisher=[[Wizards of the Coast]] | isbn=978-0-7869-1985-7 | last=Karpyshyn | first=Drew | date=September 2001 | author-link=Drew Karpyshyn}}

A comic titled ''Dungeons & Dragons: Legends of Baldur's Gate'' was released in October 2014. The comic is set generations after ''Throne of Bhaal'', and features [[Minsc]] as the main character. It is written by Jim Zub and pencilled by Max Dunbar, part of the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' 40th anniversary celebrations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/07/18/minsc-boo/|title=Official Baldur's Gate Comic Goes For Your Eyes|last=Meer|first=Alec|date=July 18, 2014|work=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]|access-date=July 18, 2014|archive-date=July 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140719041027/http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/07/18/minsc-boo/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Reception and legacy==
{{VG series reviews
|updated=November 29, 2023

|game1=[[Baldur's Gate (video game)|Baldur's Gate]]
|mc1=91/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/baldurs-gate/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Baldur's Gate for PC Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |date=November 30, 1998 |access-date=October 15, 2013 |archive-date=November 28, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151128142016/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/baldurs-gate |url-status=live}}</ref>

|game2=[[Baldur's Gate: Tales of the Sword Coast]]
|mc2=–

|game3=[[Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn]]
|mc3=95/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/baldurs-gate-ii-shadows-of-amn/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn for PC Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |date=September 24, 2000 |access-date=October 15, 2013 |archive-date=January 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101045055/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/baldurs-gate-ii-shadows-of-amn |url-status=live}}</ref>

|game4=[[Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal]]
|mc4=88/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/baldurs-gate-ii-throne-of-bhaal/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal for PC Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |date=June 21, 2001 |access-date=October 15, 2013 |archive-date=June 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626112455/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/baldurs-gate-ii-throne-of-bhaal |url-status=live}}</ref>

|game5=[[Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance]]
|mc5=(PS2) 87/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/baldurs-gate-dark-alliance/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance for PlayStation 2 Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |date=December 2, 2001 |access-date=October 15, 2013 |archive-date=October 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022075445/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/baldurs-gate-dark-alliance |url-status=live}}</ref><br>(Xbox) 83/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/baldurs-gate-dark-alliance/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance for Xbox Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |date=October 22, 2002 |access-date=October 15, 2013 |archive-date=October 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023094731/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/baldurs-gate-dark-alliance |url-status=live}}</ref><br>(GC) 79/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/baldurs-gate-dark-alliance/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube |title=Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance for GameCube Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |date=November 18, 2002 |access-date=October 15, 2013 |archive-date=July 25, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725020611/http://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/baldurs-gate-dark-alliance |url-status=live}}</ref><br>(GBA) 76/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/baldurs-gate-dark-alliance/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance |title=Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance for Game Boy Advance Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |date=February 10, 2004 |access-date=October 15, 2013 |archive-date=June 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617082220/http://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/baldurs-gate-dark-alliance |url-status=live}}</ref>

|game6=[[Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II]]
|mc6=(PS2) 78/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/baldurs-gate-dark-alliance-ii/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II for PlayStation 2 Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |date=January 20, 2004 |access-date=October 15, 2013 |archive-date=October 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024130115/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/baldurs-gate-dark-alliance-ii |url-status=live}}</ref><br>(Xbox) 77/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/baldurs-gate-dark-alliance-ii/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II for Xbox Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |date=January 20, 2004 |access-date=October 15, 2013 |archive-date=December 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121223072432/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/baldurs-gate-dark-alliance-ii |url-status=live}}</ref>

|game7=[[Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition]]
|mc7=(PC) 78/100<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition/critic-reviews/?platform=pc | title=Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition for PC Reviews | work=[[Metacritic]] | access-date=May 14, 2018 | archive-date=April 19, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419082455/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition | url-status=live}}</ref><br>(iOS) 73/100<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad | title=Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition for iPhone/iPad Reviews | work=[[Metacritic]] | access-date=May 14, 2018 | archive-date=April 8, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408065157/http://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition | url-status=live}}</ref>

|game8=[[Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition]]
|mc8=(PC) 78/100<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/baldurs-gate-ii-enhanced-edition/critic-reviews/?platform=pc | title=Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition for PC Reviews | work=[[Metacritic]] | access-date=May 14, 2018 | archive-date=June 12, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612011028/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/baldurs-gate-ii-enhanced-edition | url-status=live}}</ref><br>(iOS) 70/100<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/baldurs-gate-ii-enhanced-edition/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad | title=Baldur's Gate II:EE for iPhone/iPad Reviews | work=[[Metacritic]] | access-date=May 14, 2018 | archive-date=March 20, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320235802/http://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/baldurs-gate-iiee | url-status=live}}</ref>

|game9=[[Baldur's Gate: Siege of Dragonspear]]
|mc9=(PC) 77/100<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/baldurs-gate-siege-of-dragonspear/critic-reviews/?platform=pc | title=Baldur's Gate: Siege of Dragonspear for PC Reviews | work=[[Metacritic]] | access-date=May 14, 2018 | archive-date=April 10, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410172049/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/baldurs-gate-siege-of-dragonspear | url-status=live}}</ref>

|game10=[[Baldur's Gate 3]]
|mc10=96/100<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/baldurs-gate-3/ | title=Baldur's Gate 3 | work=[[Metacritic]] | access-date=August 10, 2023 | archive-date=August 10, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810130303/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/baldurs-gate-3?ref=hp | url-status=live}}</ref>
}}

In 1999, ''Baldur's Gate'' won the [[Origins Award]] for ''Best Role Playing Game Computer Game of 1998'',<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-12-16 |title=The 1998 Origins Awards |url=http://www.gama.org/OriginsAwards/OriginsAwardsWinnersThe1990s/The1998OriginsAwards/tabid/3242/Default.aspx |access-date=2023-12-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121216052511/http://www.gama.org/OriginsAwards/OriginsAwardsWinnersThe1990s/The1998OriginsAwards/tabid/3242/Default.aspx |archive-date=December 16, 2012 }}</ref> and in 2000, ''Baldur's Gate: Tales of the Sword Coast'' won ''Best Role Game Playing Game Computer Game of 1999''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-12-14 |title=The 1999 Origins Awards |url=http://www.gama.org/OriginsAwards/OriginsAwardsWinnersThe1990s/The1999OriginsAwards/tabid/3243/Default.aspx |access-date=2023-12-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121214042229/http://www.gama.org/OriginsAwards/OriginsAwardsWinnersThe1990s/The1999OriginsAwards/tabid/3243/Default.aspx |archive-date=December 14, 2012 }}</ref> The [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] awarded the original ''Baldur's Gate'' the [[D.I.C.E. Award|Interactive Achievement Award]] for [[D.I.C.E. Award for Role-Playing Game of the Year|PC Role-Playing Game of the Year]]. ''Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal'' and ''Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance'' also would later win Interactive Achievement Awards for [[D.I.C.E. Award for Role-Playing Game of the Year|Role-Playing Game of the Year]] for its respective PC and Console categories for the release year of 2001.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q1-2002/032702b.html |title=Baldur's Gate Nabs AIAS Awards |work=Rpgamer.com |access-date=October 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130708141258/http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q1-2002/032702b.html |archive-date=July 8, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Dark Alliance II'' won the 2004 RPG of the Year Award by ''[[GameFan]]'', and was later inducted into the ''GameFan'' Hall of Fame.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://diehardgamefan.com/2011/08/18/diehard-gamefan-hall-of-fame-nominee-baldurs-gate-dark-alliance-2/ |title=Hall of Fame Nominee: Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance 2 |work=Diehard GameFAN |date=October 13, 2011 |access-date=October 15, 2013 |archive-date=February 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203102323/http://diehardgamefan.com/2011/08/18/diehard-gamefan-hall-of-fame-nominee-baldurs-gate-dark-alliance-2/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> By June 2001, the series sold more than 3.5 million units worldwide.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010620/law055.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010626101359/http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010620/law055.html|title=Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal Ships to Retail; Vast New Expansion Product Completes the Epic Saga of Baldur's Gate|website=Yahoo! Finance|publisher=Interplay Entertainment |archive-date=June 26, 2001|date=June 20, 2001}}</ref>

''PC Gamer''{{'}}s Paul Dean noted that the series "has always been as much about who these characters were as what they could do". He considered ''Baldur's Gate''{{'}}s characters as the cornerstone of the series, and that some of them were the best RPG companions ever written.<ref name="Cornerstone"/>

''[[Baldur's Gate 3]]'' received universal acclaim, and won several [[List of Game of the Year awards|Game of the Year]] awards including from the [[Golden Joystick Awards]], the [[The Game Award for Game of the Year|Game Awards]], the [[D.I.C.E. Award for Game of the Year|D.I.C.E. Awards]], the [[Game Developers Choice Award for Game of the Year|Game Developers Choice Awards]], and the [[British Academy Games Award for Best Game|British Academy Games Awards]].<ref name="GJ23">{{cite web|last=Loveridge|first=Sam|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/golden-joystick-awards-2023-winners/|title=Here are all the Golden Joystick Awards 2023 winners|date=2023-11-10|accessdate=2023-11-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110183004/https://www.gamesradar.com/golden-joystick-awards-2023-winners/|archive-date=2023-11-10 |url-status=live|website=[[GamesRadar+]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=All The Game Awards 2023 Winners Revealed |url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/all-the-game-awards-2023-winners-revealed/2900-4977/ |access-date=2023-12-08 |work=[[GameSpot]] |first=Eddie |last=Makuch |language=en-US |archive-date=8 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208034016/https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/all-the-game-awards-2023-winners-revealed/2900-4977/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/138754/the-dice-awards-2024-winners-finalists|title=The D.I.C.E. Awards 2024 winners & finalists|first=Sam|last=Chandler|work=[[Shacknews]]|date=February 15, 2024|accessdate=January 16, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine | url = https://www.gamesradar.com/baldurs-gate-3-passes-elden-ring-and-breath-of-the-wild-to-become-first-game-to-win-all-five-major-goty-awards/ | title = Baldur's Gate 3 passes Elden Ring and Breath of the Wild to become first game to win all five major GOTY awards | first = Kaan | last = Serin | date = April 12, 2024 | accessdate = April 13, 2024 | magazine = [[Games Radar]] | archive-date = April 12, 2024 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240412172438/https://www.gamesradar.com/baldurs-gate-3-passes-elden-ring-and-breath-of-the-wild-to-become-first-game-to-win-all-five-major-goty-awards/ | url-status = live }}</ref>

==See also==
* {{Portal inline|Dungeons & Dragons}}
* [[List of Dungeons & Dragons video games|List of ''Dungeons & Dragons'' video games]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}
{{Clear}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em|refs=
<ref name="Cornerstone">{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-characters-of-baldurs-gate-are-the-cornerstone-of-the-series/|title=The characters of Baldur's Gate are the cornerstone of the series|author=Paul Dean|date=January 16, 2019|work=[[PC Gamer]]|access-date=March 7, 2020|archive-date=March 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315153723/https://www.pcgamer.com/the-characters-of-baldurs-gate-are-the-cornerstone-of-the-series/|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="TheGamer">{{cite web|url=https://www.thegamer.com/baldurs-gate-3-characters-original-games-return/|title=Baldur's Gate III – These Characters From The Original Games Could Return|last=Baird|first=Scott|date=February 29, 2020|work=thegamer.com|access-date=March 6, 2020|archive-date=March 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306161552/https://www.thegamer.com/baldurs-gate-3-characters-original-games-return/|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="History">{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-history-of-baldurs-gate/2/|title=The history of Baldur's Gate|date=March 1, 2020|work=[[PC Gamer]]|access-date=March 7, 2020|archive-date=March 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308104610/https://www.pcgamer.com/the-history-of-baldurs-gate/2/|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="Shacknews">{{cite web|url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/103473/beneath-a-starless-sky-pillars-of-eternity-and-the-infinity-engine-era-of-rpgs?page=15|title=Pause Screen: Romancing the Throne – David Gaider on Intimacy in Baldur's Gate II and BioWare RPGs|last=Craddock|first=David|date=October 5, 2018|work=Shacknews|access-date=July 18, 2014|archive-date=January 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112011143/https://www.shacknews.com/article/103473/beneath-a-starless-sky-pillars-of-eternity-and-the-infinity-engine-era-of-rpgs?page=15|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="Gamezone">{{cite web|url=http://next.gamezone.com/news/2011/09/27/top_ten_bioware_created_squadmates |title=Top Ten BioWare-created Squadmates |author=Dakota Grabowski |date=January 8, 2010 |access-date=May 18, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519040852/http://next.gamezone.com/news/2011/09/27/top_ten_bioware_created_squadmates |archive-date=May 19, 2014 }}</ref>
<ref name="Best and Worst">{{cite web |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2014/08/26/the-best-and-worst-bioware-companions |title=The best and worst BioWare companions |author=Andy Kelly |date=November 7, 2018 |work=[[PC Gamer]] |access-date=March 6, 2020 |archive-date=September 24, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924004559/http://www.pcgamer.com/2014/08/26/the-best-and-worst-bioware-companions/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
<ref name="Gameinformer">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/08/15/the-best-bioware-characters.aspx?PostPageIndex=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130821185229/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/08/15/the-best-bioware-characters.aspx?PostPageIndex=1 |url-status=live |archive-date=August 21, 2013 |title=The Best BioWare Characters |author=Kimberley Wallace |date=August 15, 2013 |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=May 16, 2014}}</ref> 
<ref name="Romance">{{cite web|url=http://ontologicalgeek.com/from-jaheira-to-liara-a-brief-survey-of-bioware-romances/|title=From Jaheira to Liara: A Brief Survey of BioWare Romances 6|author=Albert Hwang|date=April 17, 2014|work=The Ontological Geek|access-date=March 6, 2020|archive-date=August 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815050250/http://ontologicalgeek.com/from-jaheira-to-liara-a-brief-survey-of-bioware-romances/|url-status=live}}</ref> 
}}

==External links==
{{wikiquote}}
* [http://www.baldursgate.com/ ''Baldur's Gate'' website]

{{Baldur's Gate}}
{{Bioware games}}
{{Black Isle Studios}}
{{Dungeons & Dragons video games}}

[[Category:Baldur's Gate| ]]
[[Category:Turn-based role-playing video games]]
[[Category:Video game franchises introduced in 1998]]
[[Category:Video games with isometric graphics]]

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