The Dark Side of Gaming: Players Struggle with Evil Choices in Baldur's Gate 3

Ethan James 25 Sep 2023

In the world of gaming, being the villain can often be a thrilling deviation from the norm. However, for many players of Baldur's Gate 3, stepping into the shoes of the antagonist has proven to be an unexpectedly heart-rending experience. Larian Studios' RPG has woven a narrative so compelling that gamers find themselves emotionally attached to the characters they harm when choosing to tread the path of malice.

Baldur's Gate 3 is famed for its intricate branching storylines and a vast array of player choices, leading to more than 17,000 possible endings. An active discussion on the game's subreddit reveals that many players are attempting to experience the darker side of these choices. One user, LucioRoyal, described their struggle with making evil decisions, such as raiding the grove with goblins, and the consequences that ensued; the loss of companions and the harsh reactions of other characters left them feeling remorseful and distressed.

Other players share similar sentiments, expressing their discomfort and shock at the repercussions of their actions. One gamer shared their experience of playing as Astarion, a rogue vampire character known for his ruthless choices. They described the disheartening process of witnessing their former allies meet gruesome ends or vanish, likening it to a distressing alternate timeline plot. Another player shared their struggle to even start an evil playthrough, the emotional impact proving too intense.

These reactions highlight the depth of the emotional engagement Baldur's Gate 3 offers. The game's complex narrative and well-fleshed characters tug at players' heartstrings, making them reconsider the allure of the dark side. It's a testament to the game's exceptional storytelling that gamers feel such strong empathy for fictitious characters and experience guilt over their in-game decisions.

The moral dilemmas Baldur's Gate 3 presents add a fascinating dynamic to the gaming experience. For some players, the struggle with evil choices is part of the allure, a way to explore different narratives and outcomes. For others, it's a stark reminder of the emotional impact decisions can have, even in a virtual world. In other news, the latest Patch 3 has been released, adding the Magic Mirror feature that allows players to change their character's appearance, a welcome addition for those seeking a fresh start after their foray into the dark side.