HBO, the network behind iconic shows like Game of Thrones and a pioneer in fantasy television, is developing a new series called Baldur’s Gate. For the past ten years, Hollywood has been searching for another hit comparable to Game of Thrones – a large-scale, captivating fantasy show. Baldur’s Gate appears to be a strong contender, offering a rich fantasy world and a cast of intricate characters.
Inspired by the Dungeons & Dragons universe, Baldur’s Gate 3 came out in 2023 and has quickly become known as one of the most captivating games ever created. It’s filled with interesting characters, rich backstory, and a complex story, offering nearly endless possibilities for each player. I’ve already spent 60 hours playing since its release and feel like I’ve only seen a small part of what the game has to offer. It’s the kind of world people can really lose themselves in, making it a great choice for a detailed TV adaptation, though recent fantasy shows from Hollywood suggest we need to be cautious.
Can ‘Baldur’s Gate’ Succeed Where ‘Game of Thrones’ Failed?
Recent fantasy TV series like The Witcher, The Rings of Power, and even Game of Thrones haven’t quite lived up to expectations. Whether you enjoyed Amazon’s take on Tolkien or are hoping for more of The Wheel of Time, these shows faced initial criticism that likely kept them from reaching a wider audience. Baldur’s Gate can’t afford to repeat that mistake. At this early stage, the key to a project’s success is often the people involved. For Baldur’s Gate, the most important things to note are showrunner Craig Mazin, known for The Last of Us and Chernobyl, and the fact that Larian Studios, the creators of the game, aren’t directly involved in the show.
Both of these things are concerning on their own, but together they feel particularly unsettling. Craig Mazin has a strong track record – his work on shows like Chernobyl and the first season of The Last of Us shows he excels at drama, and he’s also proven he can add a lighthearted touch, which would be great for a project like Baldur’s Gate given its humor. However, the negative response to The Last of Us Season 2 highlights a common problem: when adaptations stray too far from the original source material, fans often aren’t happy.
After experiencing both The Last of Us games and the TV series, I understand why viewers were disappointed. The issue isn’t just that the show deviates from the original story, but that it changes so much that it alienates the people who loved the games in the first place – the core fanbase. The series has made some good choices, especially by developing side characters who weren’t explored much in the games. But this raises concerns about the upcoming Baldur’s Gate adaptation. It’s not a direct adaptation of Baldur’s Gate 3; it feels more like the creator is writing a story for a potential Baldur’s Gate 4.
Craig Mazin is working on a sequel to a hugely popular game, which is unusual because the original doesn’t have a set conclusion. While player choices created many potential storylines, it remains to be seen which path Mazin will choose and which characters will return. It’s unlikely he’s simply writing a fan-made continuation, but he’s taking control of a vast and well-loved world with no established direction. This is a significant challenge, and won’t be simple, particularly since the original creators are taking a less involved role.
Larian Studios Isn’t Involved in the ‘Baldur’s Gate’ Series
HBO
Despite fan hopes for a Baldur’s Gate 4, Larian Studios, the creators of the game, aren’t planning to make one, nor will they be directly involved in the upcoming TV series. However, game designer Swen Vincke shared on X (formerly Twitter) that the endings of Baldur’s Gate 3 were intentionally designed to allow for future stories. He explained there are many possible directions the TV series could take, suggesting the showrunner, Mazin, has the freedom to build the story based on any of the game’s endings.
It’s encouraging that Craig Mazin is talking with Larian Studios about the future of the game’s world after the story ends. While sticking to established lore would likely please fans, this is just a single discussion – not an ongoing partnership. Only time will tell how things develop with Baldur’s Gate. We’ve seen recently that adaptations often succeed when they stay true to the original material, like with Fallout, Arcane, and the first season of The Last of Us.
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HBO’s new fantasy show faces some big challenges – it’s a huge project without a defined plan, and the original writers aren’t involved. Because of this, I’m approaching it with cautious optimism. Are you excited about it, or are you already writing it off?
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2026-02-14 19:20