Summary
Baldur’s Gate 3achieved critical acclaim last year for itsphenomenal story and cast of characters. The game from Larian Studios also seamlessly adapts the rules and mechanics ofDungeons & Dragons' fifth edition, one of the most popular tabletop games in the world, into a video game format. But not every mechanic in a TTRPG is suitable for a video game.
SomeDungeons & Dragonsrules function due to the ability to improvise and the creative freedom available to the DM, the person running the game. Making a video game, the team at Larian had to be more thorough in planning out what options players would have to interact with the world. Each potential choice had to be accounted for beforehand. One particular mechanic the team adapted toBaldur’s Gate 3, that of awarding players Inspiration, demonstrates this concept well.It showcases how the game emulates the open-ended feeling of the tabletop gamewhile simultaneouslyclarifying a vague rule fromDnD.
How Inspiration Works In Dungeons & Dragons
Rewarded At The DM’s Discretion
The term Inspiration can be confusing inDungeons & Dragonsdue to the fact that there are two distinct resources which share the name. Bardic Inspiration is an ability that certain characters possess and can be used to help other players. Inspiration, meanwhile, is a reward that the DM can give to players which can be used to improve one’s dice rolls. It is awarded to players who do something particularly cool at the table, act in a way that perfectly embodies their character, or otherwise impress the group with their creativity.
The mechanic is ambiguous within the rules as writtenand leaves a lot of freedom to the DM on how to actually use it. Thus, Inspiration can work differently at different tables, and even work inconsistently at the same table.DnDis designed to provide such freedom, but inconsistency in rulings can be an issue for players who prefer more structure. This rule wouldn’t translate well to a video game setting, which requires more clarity in its mechanics.
Players can spend their earned Inspiration points to gain advantage on an attack roll, saving throw, or ability check.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Makes Inspiration More Consistent Than In D&D
Awarded For Consistent Roleplaying
While many rules inBaldur’s Gate 3match those inDnDword for word, the system for gaining Inspiration is changed entirely. Instead of being handed out at the DM’s discretion,BG3has set choices that will give the player Inspirationwhen triggered. These triggers are determined by the chosen background of the player and their companions. For instance, a character with a Soldier background might gain Inspiration when they instruct an NPC on how to fight well. Meanwhile, a character with a Criminal background might gain Inspiration for stealing an important item.
Once gained, Inspiration works much as it does inDnD, letting players re-roll a failed dice roll and potentially turn it into a success. With this change,Baldur’s Gate 3encourages players to act consistently and rewards them for playing in character. It is an inspired design choice that maintains the goal of the mechanic while making it work for a video game format. AlthoughBaldur’s Gate 3’s method of gaining Inspiration may not work perfectly in aDungeons & Dragonsgame, using player backgrounds to determine when to award Inspiration could create a more consistent and clear way of giving it out.
Baldur’s Gate 3
Developed and published by Larian Studios, Baldur’s Gate 3 is an upcoming role-playing game set to release in August of 2023. Players will create a character to embark on a large-scale journey and can do so solo or cooperatively with a friend. Combat is a turn-based style this time around.
