The world of gaming was abuzz with anticipation leading up to the release of Baldur's Gate 3. As one of the most highly anticipated RPG titles in recent years, it promised a vast and immersive experience filled with intricate storylines and numerous sidequests. However, what caught the attention of the gaming community post-release was not just the richness of the content but a surprising statistic: only 368 people managed to complete the main quest during its first weekend.
These numbers, shared by the game's developer, Larian, offer an intriguing insight into the playing habits and preferences of gamers. Considering that Baldur's Gate 3 has conservatively sold a few million copies, the fact that only a few hundred players crossed the finish line so quickly is both astonishing and perplexing.
Data via Larian
Upon a closer look at the game's structure, some explanations emerge. Though the main questline of Baldur's Gate 3 is fairly straightforward, the game's true essence seems to lie in its extensive sidequests. The quality and depth of these sidequests have captivated around 99% of the players, causing them to take their time exploring the game's rich universe rather than rushing to its conclusion.
This is not just a trend observed in casual gamers; even within the circles of dedicated gamers, most are found still wrapping up Act 1 or just entering Act 2. The game appears to have drawn players into its vast web of sidequests, investigations, and various interactions with the in-game characters.
Comparisons with other popular RPGs like RDR 2 reveal a similar pattern, where sidequests are just as compelling, if not more so, than the main story. In Baldur's Gate 3, from the severity of mind flayer tadpoles to fulfilling requests for eccentric characters, players seem more than willing to immerse themselves in these supplemental narratives.
The 368 trailblazers who did finish the game in the first weekend raise questions of their own. Did they complete the fascinating companion quests that unfold throughout the game? Did they explore hidden aspects or just focus on the main storyline? While some might have spent an exhaustive 70 hours playing, allowing minimal time for rest, it's curious whether they achieved a satisfying playthrough or simply raced to the end.
The phenomenon also opens up a discussion about modern gaming culture and the design philosophy behind role-playing games. The balance between main quests and sidequests, speed and exploration, and individual gaming styles all come into play.
In the end, Baldur's Gate 3's first-weekend completion statistics reveal more than just numbers. They open a window into the complexity of player engagement, the allure of well-crafted narratives, and the multifaceted nature of modern RPGs. The fact that only a few hundred players finished the game so quickly is not a sign of its lack of appeal but rather a testament to its depth and ability to captivate players in a multifaceted gaming experience.
Source: Steam