Ep.225 – The Forgotten Realm: Baldur’s Gate and the Rise of BioWare

In 1998, Baldur’s Gate brought the world of Dungeons & Dragons to life like never before, setting a new gold standard for computer RPGs. In this episode, we explore how a group of Canadian doctors and friends at BioWare transformed a scrappy tech demo into an epic journey through the Forgotten Realms. We discuss the influence of Interplay and Black Isle Studios, the creation of the Infinity Engine, and how the team balanced deep tactical combat with rich storytelling. Our conversation also covers the game’s breakout success, its impact on the Western RPG revival, and the legacy that continues through Baldur’s Gate 3. Join us as we roll for initiative and relive Baldur’s Gate on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.