Baldur’s Gate 3, the highly-anticipated CRPG developed by Larian Studios, isn’t just a game filled with captivating stories set in the Forgotten Realms. It is also a medium through which players can create their own personal narratives and connections that transcend the realm of virtuality. One such heartfelt tribute became known when a player shared their touching experience of playing Baldur’s Gate 3 early access with their father, who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The tribute speaks not only to the power of the game but also to the compassionate nature of the developers behind it.
Solfalia, the player who shared the story, had a strong bond with their father over CRPGs. They spent countless hours playing Baldur’s Gate 2 together and went on to complete Divinity: Original Sin and its sequel multiple times. However, their joy was interrupted by the devastating news of their father’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis amid a global lockdown. Solfalia expressed their concerns about whether their father would be able to play the full release of Baldur’s Gate 3, a game he had eagerly anticipated. Little did they know that their worries would soon be eased.
Luckily, Baldur’s Gate 3 entered early access just in time for Solfalia and their father to embark on a new adventure together that Christmas. The early access release allowed them to play the game’s first act side by side, creating one last memorable experience. Solfalia gratefully shared that they believed their father would thoroughly enjoy the game, particularly relishing the fact that the main antagonists were Mind Flayers, a classic D&D monster. The developers had unwittingly played a part in making this last adventure possible.
As Baldur’s Gate 3 prepared for its full release, an anonymous writer from Larian Studios, referred to by Solfalia as the “superwriter,” reached out to them in response to their touching story. The developer wanted to know if Solfalia would be willing to have something included in the game as a tribute to their father. While Solfalia anticipated a simple acknowledgement, such as a mention in a book or a plaque, the studio went above and beyond their expectations.
Upon the game’s release, the “superwriter” directed Solfalia to a hidden cellar in the lower city of Baldur’s Gate. Inside the cellar, they discovered an NPC named Golbraith Stredivas, a retired Mind Flayer hunter. This character was intentionally designed to resemble Solfalia’s father, and they were deeply moved by the attention to detail. Golbraith’s dialogue contained touching lines that resonated with Solfalia, evoking powerful emotions. The player explored every nook and cranny of Golbraith’s house, uncovering a stack of letters exchanged between the NPC and his son, which brought tears to their eyes. This secret tribute to their father in the form of a mindflayer-hunter cellar left a lasting impact.
Solfalia’s father is now residing in a care home, unable to play Baldur’s Gate 3 on his own. Solfalia, however, passionately recounted the tribute to him, describing how their father listened with child-like glee. He delighted in the fact that his character had a monocle and took pride in the secret cellar filled with weapons. The tribute became a topic of conversation during their weekly chats, adding a touch of brightness to their father’s life. The deep emotional connection forged by the game transcended the virtual world, bridging the gap between fantasy and reality.
The heartfelt tribute in Baldur’s Gate 3 has struck a chord with players and developers alike. Many individuals shared their own experiences in response to the story, revealing the personal impact of gaming in their lives. Larian Studios’ CEO, Swen Vincke, praised the “superwriter” and their compassionate gesture, describing them as an amazing human being. Rachel Quirke, another writer at Larian, expressed her delight in being a part of honoring the mighty mindflayer hunter. The tribute touched the hearts of many, and Solfalia expressed their gratitude to the developers, acknowledging that it exceeded their expectations and left a profound impact.
In a world where video games are often dismissed as mere entertainment, the story of Baldur’s Gate 3 and the heartfelt tribute to Solfalia’s father remind us of the immense emotional power that games can possess. They have the ability to create deeply personal connections and touch our lives in unexpected ways, traversing the boundaries of the virtual and the real. The tribute in Baldur’s Gate 3 stands as a testament to the empathy and compassion of the developers and the incredible way in which games can leave a lasting impact on both players and their loved ones.
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