Baldur's Gate 1 and 2 remakes reportedly in development at Wizards of the Coast

PC Gamer reports that Wizards of the Coast is developing a Baldur's Gate 2 remake — and possibly a remake of the first game alongside it. Former BioWare developer Kevin Martens, who was co-lead designer on the original Baldur's Gate 2, is attached to the project. Both remakes may launch together, according to the report. Wizards of the Coast and parent company Hasbro have not commented.

The obvious question is scope. The original games used an isometric perspective and pausable real-time combat with parties of up to six characters — Baldur's Gate launched in 1998 as BioWare's second game, and Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn followed in 2000. Together they represent thousands of hours of content, which makes a full Baldur's Gate 3-style remake an enormous undertaking. Whether the projects go fully turn-based, stick closer to the originals, or land somewhere in between is unknown.

The timing makes sense. Larian Studios, who made the phenomenally successful Baldur's Gate 3, have left the franchise to work on the next Divinity game. That leaves Wizards of the Coast needing to bridge the gap before Baldur's Gate 4 arrives — a sequel that carries some of the heaviest fan expectations in gaming right now. Remakes of the classic BioWare entries would buy time while keeping the IP active.

The franchise is expanding on other fronts too. A Baldur's Gate 3 TV show is in development at HBO, continuing the story from the game. There's also an official BG3 cookbook, a coloring book, and a prequel novel following Astarion during his years in servitude to the Vampire Lord Cazador Szarr.