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Baldur’s Gate 3 defied all expectations in 2023, revivifying a franchise that had been dormant since the release of Shadows of Amn in 2000. Its success left its mark on the 5th edition of Dungeons & Dragons in 2024. A year after its critically acclaimed release on PC and consoles, Baldur’s Gate 3 keeps breaking records left and right. A recent patch of this single-player RPG masterstroke might explain why.
It seems that players are not done exploring the Forgotten Realms just yet. Baldur’s Gate 3 has cracked a new record by attracting more daily users this year than the last. The information was disclosed on X by Michael “Cromwelp” Douse, the director of publishing at Larian Studios. Douse revealed that the D&D-inspired game had seen a 3% bump in daily peak concurrent players and a 20% increase in daily active users – all in its second year of operation. Funnily enough, he noted that Baldur’s Gate 3 had gained ground in one unexpected location – in the Vatican of all places.
Such numbers are even more astonishing considering this fantasy RPG is not technically meant to be played for years on end, unlike live service games (LSG) or MMORPGs benefitting from multiple updates and expansion packs. Its director Swen Vincke confirmed that no DLC or expansion would be on the horizon, even though fans are actively clamoring for new content. Larian had started working on a DLC, but the project was scrapped following the studio’s decision to end its partnership with the American publisher Wizards of the Coast.
After spending over six years working on that long-awaited title, the Belgian developer also resolved to focus on other creative initiatives instead of releasing a sequel. Adding new evil endings for each companion alongside heaps of combat changes and UI tweaks, the game’s seventh patch is likely to be the last. Yet, the recent implementation of native mod support may have factored into the game’s renewed success, as it makes it easier for mod authors to get creative and use in-house modding tools to ensure a smoother experience on all platforms.
Dropping in September, official modding support gave players all the more reasons to return to this beloved RPG epic. The new dev toolkit included in the patch also showcased the dedication of the game’s creators, known for actively listening to their fandom. Larian’s post-launch support may even grant the studio another award, as Baldur’s Gate 3 has secured a nomination for Best Community Support at the upcoming Game Awards.
Snatching no fewer than six awards, Baldur’s Gate 3 emerged as the undisputed champion of the last gaming ceremony. All bets are on as to what title will succeed 2023’s Game of the Year. From Shadow of the Erdtree to Black Myth: Wukong, triple-A games seem to have a head start among all nominees. However, contenders like Balatro might create a sensation. Rated 5 stars on Steam, this poker roguelike is vying for five trophies at the Game Awards 2024, only falling behind Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Astro Bot.
Developed by the Canadian studio LocalThunk, this indie gem reimagines poker by incorporating roguelike mechanics into its deckbuilding structure. Its release on mobile further reinforced its mass appeal, driving a Balatro takeover that has extended beyond gaming circles. While the nomination of this card game has received some flak, with some observers pointing at its lack of flashy graphics and complex mechanics, Balatro’s addictive formula has still won the hearts of two million players.
Anticipating its potential GOTY consecration, fans can explore other poker variants online. New users can claim casino bonuses to get started on their next poker run. From no-deposit bonuses to cashback deals, hundreds of casino offers are updated regularly. With just a few clicks, players can review the pros and cons of each promotion, thanks to detailed analyses provided by iGaming experts. They may also use comparison tools to filter through all offers by bonus type or software provider.
No matter the results of the next Game Awards, which will be broadcast from Los Angeles on December 12, few games are likely to come close to the impact of Baldur’s Gate 3. Sweeping GOTY awards at all the industry’s major award ceremonies, including the British Academy Games Awards, this fantasy masterpiece remains the best crash course in D&D’s lore and mechanics to date. Sinking hours into Baldur’s Gate 3 might even change how some players approach their D&D campaigns.