HBO reportedly has teamed up with The Last of Us co-creator Craig Mazin to make a Baldur’s Gate TV series

Gamers and franchise fans are very protective of the IPs that they follow and support. This is not a new phenomenon, and fans can be very vocal about developments across different parts of this IP, such as its characters, settings, and events. Two of the biggest examples of this are Star Trek and Star Wars, once two of the biggest franchises, now in an abysmal state compared to what they once were, at least according to some of their fans' opinions. 

After Larian’s genre-defining title, Baldur’s Gate 3, fans have not only grown attached to the current lore but also to the people who made it. The team at Larian, especially the actors and writers, has secured a place in the hearts of fans worldwide for their work, which fans have labelled a labour of love. With the announcement that the HBO and Hasbro teaming up to make a TV series to move the story forward after the events of BG3, came the huge wave of fans voicing their opinions. 

A Deadline report revealed that the two entertainment giants would be working together on a drama series based on the franchise, with Craig Mazin to create, write, executive produce, and showrun the TV adaptation. Among a slew of other big names is Chris Perkins, who is also attached to the project as a consultant. Perkins was the former Head of Story at Wizards of the Coast.

Mazin, who recently worked on the HBOs Last of Us adaptation, won’t be adapting the story of BG3 into a show; he will, in fact, be working on a continuation of the story at the end of Baldur’s Gate 3, showing the consequences of the events in the game, and how it has affected the world and it’s inhabitants. Being free of any other titles currently in production lets the cast and crew go wild with their take on things.

However, as fans would advise both HBO and WoTC, it would be a mistake not to involve the amazing voice actors who brought the game to life. Hearing Jennifer English, Devora Wilde, or Neil Newbon narrate a simple teaser trailer, indicating a reprisal of their iconic roles, would trigger a standing ovation from fans across the globe.

With fans of the game and IP rejoicing at the news of the show, some also voiced their concerns. Most of them focus on how HBO would handle the writing, as fans have felt betrayed before by video game adaptations, such as the recent drop in popularity of The Last of Us. Another common concern is taking a Dungeons and Dragons story, which is meant to be ‘written’ by the players' decisions, and presenting it as a very linear storyline. While common choices are available, the show cannot satisfy everyone. The biggest concern for now, though, is the lack of involvement from Larian’s side. 

Buy the Baldur's Gate 3 PlayStation 5 Physical Deluxe Edition on Amazon here