Baldur’s Gate 3 stands as a remarkable testament to the potential of video game adaptations of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). Its authentic portrayal of the Dungeons and Dragons universe, coupled with richly developed supporting characters and diverse gameplay mechanics, has set a new standard for the genre. Yet, before the likes of Shadowheart and Astarion captured players’ imaginations, there were Jeanette (or Therese) Voerman and Sebastian LaCroix, who defined the experience in the original Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines. As we find ourselves in 2025, the shadow of that classic looms large over the development of Bloodlines 2, raising the question of whether the success of Baldur’s Gate 3 has complicated its creation.
Challenges in Development
Ian Thomas, the narrative director for Bloodlines 2, acknowledges the pressures that come with such high expectations. “I think it’s fair to say that it has,” he states, reflecting on the challenge of crafting a story within the confines of a well-defined narrative structure. “There’s that feeling that we should be able to open things up and customize everything from a completely blank slate. But if you’re telling a specific story, I think you need a shape to pour the story into, like a mold.” This sentiment underscores the delicate balance between player freedom and narrative coherence.
In contrast to Baldur’s Gate 3, which offers an expansive role-playing environment, Bloodlines 2 adopts a more focused approach. The city within the game has distinct boundaries, and not every non-playable character (NPC) is designed for interaction. “For me, Baldur’s Gate 3 is writing an entire roleplaying setting, whereas what we’ve done is write a roleplaying module,” Thomas explains, igniting a lively discussion about the terminology used in the industry. Jason Carl, the band manager for White Wolf’s World of Darkness, prefers the term ‘scenario,’ emphasizing the specific context in which Bloodlines 2 operates.
This distinction can lead to misconceptions among players. “It does make it hard when people see Bloodlines 2 and go, ‘oh, I thought this was an entire setting, I thought this was GTA where we could do anything!'” Thomas elaborates, clarifying that the game is intended to be a focused narrative experience rather than an open-world free-for-all.
While the allure of a Baldur’s Gate 3-scale Vampire: The Masquerade game is undeniable, the original Bloodlines was designed as a self-contained, mission-driven experience. Players navigated from point A (the Ankaran Sarcophagus) to point B (whether that be Beckett or a bloody demise), with side quests enriching the journey. Although the prospect of an open-world VTM RPG is tantalizing, the linearity of Bloodlines 2 aligns more closely with the essence of its predecessor.
For those eager to dive into Bloodlines 2 upon its release, a comprehensive overview of the game’s clans is available to help players make informed choices ahead of launch. Additionally, for those looking to hone their stealth skills, a curated list of the best vampire-themed games awaits—though sparkling is strictly off the table.
As the anticipation builds, the question remains: would a Baldur’s Gate 3-style Vampire: The Masquerade game resonate with fans? Engage with us on Discord and share your thoughts on the era you envision for such an adaptation.
