Baldur’s Gate 3’s writing is not as good as you think
A Polygon writer challenges the widespread critical consensus around Baldur’s Gate 3, arguing that the game’s narrative and writing quality do not deserve the universal acclaim they have received. While acknowledging that many players and critics credit the game’s storytelling as a primary reason for its 2023 Game of the Year success, the author contends that this assessment misses the mark.
The author positions this as a minority opinion, noting that while some players prioritize narrative over gameplay in their evaluation of RPGs, they represent a vocal contingent rather than the majority. The writer expresses appreciation for Baldur’s Gate 3’s actual gameplay mechanics, which they consider solid and engaging, but argues the narrative falls short of the expectations set by the game’s reputation.
To contextualize their critique, the author draws comparisons to classic RPGs that have defined the genre, including the original Baldur’s Gate games, Planescape: Torment, Mass Effect 3, the Fable series, early Final Fantasy titles, and Chrono Trigger. These reference points suggest the author is evaluating Baldur’s Gate 3 against a high standard set by narrative-driven RPGs known for memorable storytelling and meaningful player agency.
The piece argues that contemporary critical opinion has overcorrected in favor of narrative presentation at the expense of honest evaluation of writing quality. The author’s framework suggests that classic RPGs successfully balanced meaningful player choice with strong narrative construction—a balance they imply Baldur’s Gate 3 may not achieve.