Baldur's Gate 3 PS5 PS4 PlayStation

Earlier this week, we brought you news of Larian's Studios Panel from Hell, where we gleaned a bunch of new information regarding the eagerly-anticipated RPG Baldur's Gate 3. We also got the infamous/legendary viral Twitter clip of consenting companion characters Astarion (High Elf vampire) and Halsin (Druid in bear wildshape) engaging in the kind of R-rated roleplaying experience most traditional Dungeon Masters would blush to imagine. It's probably worth noting the scene is mostly played for laughs, and nothing graphic is actually depicted.

You could argue that the wave of hype Baldur's Gate 3 has ridden to the lofty heights of Steam's Top Seller's List (#4 at the time of writing) is all to do with positive feedback and not the bear thing. It jumped up 21 places since the Panel From Hell, displacing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Hogwarts Legacy and even Red Dead Redemption 2 in the process. Steam's Top Sellers Lists are automatically generated based on all revenue sources, which likely means Larian already has a hit on their hands, more than a month ahead of launch on PS5 (and all the players there that enjoy a good RPG.)

It could be that fans are legitimately excited about Larian's deep, expertly written-narrative. That they are looking forward to Baldur's Gate 3's intricate, turn-based combat and intriguing use of Origin characters (both as either protagonists or party members). Or perhaps returning Divinity Original Sin 2 players and venerable OG Baldur's Gate fans are coming out of the woodwork by the millions? It's likely all of these things together, but also the bear sex thing.

The Panel from Hell wasn't all ursine smut, however. We also learned about the final Origin character, The Dark Urge, as well. So it's possible that people are just genuinely excited for what will likely be another GOTY-contending RPG in a year full of them. Combined with the positive sentiment from critics lucky enough to have played the final build, it's hard not to get excited. Are you genuinely hyped for Baldur's Gate 3? Let us know in the comments section below.

[source store.steampowered.com, via ign.com]