Visual Enchantment in Baldur’s Gate 3

Fantasy, with its boundless imagination and limitless possibilities, has long captivated audiences worldwide through literature, film, and most recently, video games. Fantasy video games exist at a dynamic intersection of imagination, storytelling, and interactive gameplay, taking the immersive qualities of the fantasy genre to new and exciting heights. These video games act as gateways to alternate realities, allowing players to embark on heroic adventures within imaginary worlds. In the realm of game design, creating these immersive fantasy worlds is a pivotal aspect of ensuring an engaging gaming experience. J.R.R. Tolkien, the “father of modern fantasy”, emphasises “secondary worlds” that are rich in detail and internally consistent for the full immersion of its audience. Amongst the myriad of factors that contribute to the immersion of such fantasy game worlds, the role of visual elements in particular stands out prominently. These elements not only shape the aesthetic appeal of the game but also play a crucial role in crafting the atmosphere, narrative, and overall immersive experience of the player. This is evident in games like Baldur’s Gate 3, an open-world game, where the vast environment serves as a meticulously crafted and cohesive world that draws players into its detailed lore, rich history, and vibrant cultures. This research delves into the intricate visual landscape of Baldur’s Gate 3, seeking to unravel the significance of specific visual elements in the construction of a cohesive and immersive fantasy game world. By examining the visual design using three game elements—objects/mechanisms, characters, and items—this study aims to elucidate their contribution to the feeling of immersion experienced by players in the game world. This thesis aims to answer the question: What is the role of specific visual elements in contributing to the creation of a cohesive and immersive fantasy game world in Baldur’s Gate 3? A qualitative research method in the form of an iconological analysis was conducted for this research. By analysing “Baldur’s Gate”, the titular city in the game, the player-researcher delved into the concepts of fantasy elements, world-building, and game design respectively. Results showed that by liberally implementing epic high fantasy tropes and clichés, the game developers establish a foundation for consistent and immersive world-building through environmental storytelling, reflecting their ideologies. By creating a world with intricate detail and aesthetic consistency, the developers use environmental storytelling to immerse players, deepening their emotional connection and investment in the game world by mirroring real-world issues such as political power imbalances, socio-economic segregation, and personal struggles of the characters. Hence, this research highlights how fantasy game design can create a cohesive and immersive fantasy world through the intentional arrangement and implementation of visual elements.