A Baldur's Gate 2 remake is reportedly in development, with the original co-lead designer back to help

Before we get a sequel to Larian Studios' Game of the Year RPG Baldur's Gate 3, Wizards of the Coast is reportedly heading back to the Sword Coast for a remake of the original games. According to an anonymous source speaking with PC Gamer, 2000's Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn is currently in development. While the report is only confident about the existence of a Baldur's Gate 2 remake, it states that a full rebuild of both titles could be happening.

The source claims development on the Baldur's Gate 2 remake is already underway and that Kevin Martens, co-lead designer on the original game at BioWare, has joined the project. Martens is also known for his work on Jade Empire, Neverwinter Nights, and Diablo 3. Gameplay details and a release window are still up in the air, as is the overall scope of the remakes.

The first two Baldur's Gate games, and the expansion Throne of Bhaal, were developed using BioWare's Infinity Engine. They use an isometric perspective with pausable real-time combat built on a modified version of the Advanced Dungeons and Dragons ruleset, a system that was phased out of the tabletop game over two decades ago.

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Remaking them in the style of Baldur's Gate 3 would require an extraordinary amount of work and would represent a dramatic departure from the originals. Until we know more, a hybrid approach that combines the classic real-time-with-pause combat with an optional turn-based mode seems like the most likely middle ground.

This is not the first time the originals have been revisited. Beamdog previously released Enhanced Editions of both games, updating the interface, fixing bugs, and adding new companions and quests. While the Enhanced Editions helped keep the games alive for modern audiences, a full remake could finally remove the outdated graphics that have long been a barrier for younger players looking to experience the series for the first time.

Hasbro, Wizards of the Coast's parent company, declined to comment, telling multiple outlets it does not comment on rumors or speculation. Kevin Martens did not respond to requests for comment. Elsewhere in the world of Baldur's Gate, an HBO adaptation of Baldur's Gate 3 is reportedly in development and is expected to continue the game's story.