Baldur's Gate 3 Archives

AppWizard

November 25, 2025

D&D’s new turn based tactics PC game should be a delight – but without VR, I’m not finding the fun

Demeo x Dungeons and Dragons: Battlemarked is a cooperative multiplayer strategy game set in D&D's Forgotten Realms, available on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Meta Quest, primarily designed for virtual reality (VR). The game features turn-based strategy gameplay with players choosing from various D&D classes and species, represented as virtual miniatures. It is not a virtual tabletop or a direct adaptation of D&D 5e rules. The graphics are low in polygon count but rich in character, and the game emphasizes quick play sessions without the discomfort of VR-induced nausea. The control scheme reflects its VR origins, requiring players to pick up and place figures, which feels cumbersome on a flat screen compared to other games. The game is set to release on November 20, and the reviewer notes that their experience has been limited to single-player due to illness in the office.

AppWizard

November 24, 2025

Baldur’s Gate 3 is ‘an inspiration’ for CD Projekt, but it’s all-in on big open worlds: ‘We are definitely not going to make a game like Larian did’

CD Projekt's joint CEO Michał Nowakowski acknowledged the success of Baldur's Gate 3 and its influence on classic CRPG elements, but emphasized that CD Projekt Red (CDPR) is pursuing its own direction for future projects. He stated that while they find inspiration in Baldur's Gate 3, CDPR will not create a game similar to Larian Studios' work and intends to innovate beyond their previous titles like The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077. Nowakowski mentioned a strategic shift towards focusing on core pillar games rather than spinoffs, indicating that CDPR aims to prioritize the development of main titles that enhance open-world gaming.

AppWizard

November 22, 2025

New Viking RPG fusing Baldur’s Gate 3’s combat with KCD2’s bawdy charm sets a launch date, and you can try a demo now

Norse: Oath of Blood is a turn-based RPG featuring twins Gunnar Gripsson and Sigrid Gripdottir on a quest for vengeance after their father is betrayed and murdered. The game combines tactical battle systems with a rich narrative and character interactions. It utilizes advanced motion capture technology and aims to capture the human aspects of Viking culture. The release date is set for February 3, 2026, on PC via Steam, with a free demo currently available.

AppWizard

November 22, 2025

New D&D game Battlemarked feels like my greatest tabletop adventures brought to life, without all the fuss

Baldur's Gate 3 features animated dice as a homage to Dungeons and Dragons, while Demeo x Dungeons and Dragons: Battlemarked is a D&D-themed adaptation of the 2021 turn-based RPG Demeo. Set in the Forgotten Realms, it offers quick, pick-up-and-play action for solo players or groups of up to four. The game includes narrative-driven encounters, engaging combat, and a skirmish mode that emphasizes teamwork. It uses a card-based battle system, with visuals resembling a tabletop experience, and optional VR support for deeper immersion. The launch edition features two campaigns set in locations like Neverwinter Wood and Cragmaw Castle, with additional content promised in the future. Battlemarked is available on Steam for .99 / £24.99.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

There’s a difference between hard games and hardcore ones, and the distinction matters

The launch of Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection has renewed interest in classic fighting games on PC, but players face challenges with the AI, which often uses ruthless tactics that create an unfair experience. This can lead to frustration and the development of bad habits that do not apply to real player interactions. In contrast, Virtua Fighter 5 offers a remastered mode with over a thousand CPU challengers that encourages strategic play. Games like Elden Ring and Baldur's Gate 3 allow for creative freedom in gameplay, enabling players to craft unique builds and strategies. Terraria provides a randomly generated world for players to explore or build in, while Tetris The Grand Master 4 offers varying levels of engagement based on player choice. The term "SNK boss" refers to unfair CPU opponents that disrupt gameplay balance, similar to the AI in Mortal Kombat. True hardcore games invite players to explore challenges and skill in diverse ways, emphasizing personal expression in gaming.

AppWizard

November 19, 2025

Fallout co-creator says modern games “don’t really know what they want to be,” and I don’t need to look too hard for examples

The modern gaming landscape, especially in triple-A titles, is characterized by high budgets and a strong drive for mass appeal, which can dilute quality. Tim Cain, co-creator of Fallout, critiques this trend, advocating for a focused approach reminiscent of 1980s game design. He differentiates between games that achieve mass appeal through exceptional execution, like Skyrim and Baldur's Gate 3, and those that attempt to appeal broadly but lack distinct identity, such as Concord and Killing Floor 3. Cain notes that contemporary games often suffer from confusion about their purpose, resulting from a design process aimed at satisfying publishers and broad demographics. In contrast, 1980s developers faced hardware limitations that necessitated focus and efficiency, leading to clearer game concepts. Upcoming nominees for the 2025 Game of the Year, including Expedition 33, Hades 2, Silksong, and Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, exemplify the benefits of tight design and unique identities. Cain compares this principle to fine dining, where fewer ingredients can lead to a more enjoyable experience, suggesting that clarity and focus in game design can enhance player experiences.

AppWizard

November 18, 2025

The Game Awards 2025 nominees are here, and—surprise—Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was nominated for every qualifying category

The Game Awards has announced its 2025 nominees, highlighting a strong presence of French influence. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 from Sandfall Interactive leads with ten nominations, including Game of the Year, followed by Death Stranding 2. Fans can vote on the TGA website. Nominees: Game of the Year: - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Death Stranding 2: On The Beach - Donkey Kong Bananza - Hades 2 - Hollow Knight: Silksong - Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Best Game Direction: - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Death Stranding 2: On The Beach - Ghost of Yōtei - Hades 2 - Split Fiction Innovation in Accessibility: - Assassin's Creed Shadows - Atomfall - Doom: The Dark Ages - EA Sports FC 26 - South of Midnight Best Independent Game: - Absolum - Ball x Pit - Blue Prince - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Hades 2 - Hollow Knight: Silksong Best Performance: - Ben Starr - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Charlie Cox - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Erika Ishii - Ghost of Yōtei - Jennifer English - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Konatsu Kato - Silent Hill F - Troy Baker - Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Best Debut Indie Game: - Blue Prince - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Despelote - Dispatch - Megabonk Best Action Game: - Battlefield 6 - Doom: The Dark Ages - Hades 2 - Ninja Gaiden 4 - Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Best Action/Adventure Game: - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach - Ghost of Yōtei - Indiana Jones and the Great Circle - Hollow Knight: Silksong - Split Fiction Best Role Playing Game: - Avowed - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 - The Outer Worlds 2 - Monster Hunter Wilds Best Sim/Strategy Game: - The Alters - Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles - Jurassic World Evolution 3 - Sid Meier's Civilization 7 - Tempest Rising - Two Point Museum Best Fighting Game: - 2XKO - Capcom Fighting Collection 2 - Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves - Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection - Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage Best Family Game: - Donkey Kong Bananza - LEGO Party! - Lego Voyagers - Mario Kart World - Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds - Split Fiction Best Sports/Racing Game: - EA Sports FC 26 - F1 25 - Mario Kart World - Rematch - Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Best Multiplayer: - Arc Raiders - Battlefield 6 - Elden Ring Nightreign - Peak - Split Fiction Best Narrative: - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach - Ghost of Yōtei - Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 - Silent Hill F Best Audio Design: - Battlefield 6 - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach - Ghost of Yōtei - Silent Hill F Best Score & Music: - Hollow Knight: Silksong - Hades 2 - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Ghost of Yōtei - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Best Art Direction: - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach - Ghost of Yōtei - Hades 2 - Hollow Knight: Silksong Best Adaptation: - A Minecraft Movie - Devil May Cry - The Last of Us: Season 2 - Splinter Cell: Deathwatch - Until Dawn Best Mobile Game: - Destiny: Rising - Persona 5: The Phantom X - Sonic Rumble - Umamusume: Pretty Derby - Wuthering Waves Best Ongoing Game: - Final Fantasy 14 - Fortnite - Helldivers 2 - Marvel Rivals - No Man's Sky Content Creator of the Year: - Caedrel - Kai Cenat - MoistCr1TiKal - Sakura Miko - The Burnt Peanut Best Esports Game: - Counter-Strike 2 - DOTA 2 - League of Legends - Mobile Legends: Bang Bang - Valorant Best Esports Athlete: - brawk - Chovy - f0rsakeN - Kakeru - MenaRD - Zyw0o Best Esports Team: - Gen.G - League of Legends - NRG - Valorant - Team Falcons - DOTA 2 - Team Liquid PH - Mobile Legends: Bang Bang - Team Vitality - Counter-Strike 2 Best Community Support: - Baldur's Gate 3 - Final Fantasy 14 - Fortnite - Helldivers 2 - No Man's Sky Most Anticipated Game: - 007 First Light - Grand Theft Auto 6 - Marvel's Wolverine - Resident Evil Requiem - The Witcher 4

AppWizard

November 16, 2025

‘We definitely cut some sex scenes’: There could have been an even raunchier version of superhero comedy Dispatch

The topic of romance in video games generates debate among enthusiasts and developers, with some advocating for a subdued approach and others favoring titles that explore romantic themes. Adhoc Studio's game, Dispatch, incorporates elements of nudity and sold over a million copies within its first ten days of release. Writer Pierre Shorette mentioned that some sex scenes were cut from the game, which he now believes should have been included. The game's episodic format has contributed to its popularity, and Shorette noted the unexpected enthusiasm for romance options, which were not initially planned. The game received positive reviews, and Adhoc has future plans for a game set in the Critical Role universe.

AppWizard

November 16, 2025

In defense of tab-targeting: MMO devs have been trying to put dodge rolls in their games for 10+ years to avoid WoW, and it’s never worked

PC Gamer's column on MMORPGs explores trends in the genre, particularly the shift from tab-targeting systems to action combat systems among MMO designers. This trend emerged in the late 2010s and 2020s, with a prevailing belief that tab-targeting is outdated. The Old School RuneScape (OSRS) wiki highlights a mechanic called "tick eating," where players can consume food just before taking lethal damage, showcasing strategic gameplay. Action MMOs face challenges with tick rates that can hinder combat fluidity compared to single-player games, leading to a less stable experience. The author appreciates action combat but argues that tab-targeting and turn-based combat can also be engaging, emphasizing the complexity and depth of MMO combat in endgame content. The belief that action combat is superior is subjective, and the author suggests that developers should embrace traditional systems rather than reinventing them, as seen in the co-op PvE game Fellowship, which successfully integrates tab-targeting combat. The dominance of World of Warcraft in the MMO space raises questions about whether developers are overlooking the potential of established mechanics.

AppWizard

November 15, 2025

Warframe dev’s new fantasy action game adds Expedition 33 icon to the roster, and you can snag a playtest key right now

Digital Extremes is currently in the playtest phase for Soulframe, with the Soulframe Preludes update set to launch on November 25. This update will introduce new features, including greatswords, a limited fast travel system, and a more comprehensive tutorial. The Founders program will also launch alongside the update, allowing fans to support the project financially at a lower price than Warframe's initial offerings. A Twitch drops campaign for playtest keys runs from November 14 to November 17. Soulframe has not yet been launched on platforms like Steam.