One of the perks of Larian Studios launching Baldur's Gate 3 into Early Access is that the studio gets to involve its community in the game's ongoing development. Larian can share and discuss features that are more experimental with players, and then reshape them as necessary before launch. Such is the case with a new Baldur's Gate 3 feature Larian is revealing for the first time: An assortment of multiplayer narrative features.
Those who are familiar with the Dungeons & Dragons pen and paper role-playing game know how important group storytelling is. While every player is ultimately responsible for their character's decisions, groups work together to strengthen the narrative for everyone. As such, players can try to influence other player's decisions. Larian appears to be channeling that idea when it comes to these new multiplayer narrative features.
According to a Larian development diary, it's considering several different multiplayer features that tie into Baldur's Gate 3's cinematic conversations. For example, one feature will allow players to vote for different dialogue options in shared cinematic conversations. The player controlling the dialogue doesn't necessarily have to accept the votes, but it can influence their decision. The example given is a vampire player choosing which of their sleeping party members to feed on. The party can't directly stop the vampire's hunger, but can influence their choice out-of-character.
This feature is also being evaluated for game streamers to use with their communities. For example, those in a Twitch channel's chat will be able to vote on which dialogue choice the streamer should make. The streamer doesn't have to listen to chat, of course, but this is a feature that has been teased by Larian in multiple livestreams over the past several months.
These multiplayer features aren't all tied to shared narrative cinematics. Sometimes players will have dialogue that is exclusive to themselves, while other players are busy doing other things. These situations offer interesting opportunities. One example given by Larian is a thief party member sneaking up on their ally and pickpocketing them while they talk to someone else.
None of these features appear to be far enough in development to be showcased in full, but Larian wanted to share its idea nevertheless. They won't be available when Baldur's Gate 3 launches in Early Access, but will be added down the line. It's another opportunity for fans to influence the game's direction as Baldur's Gate 3 moves closer to its final release.
Baldur's Gate 3 releases September 30 on PC in Early Access, with a Stadia release to follow.