Larian Studios is finally nearing the end of development on Baldur's Gate 3, and the studio showcased the game during Summer Game Fest on June 8. The presentation gave us a fresh look at one of the most-anticipated games of the year.

Unlike the previous two games, Baldur's Gate 3 makes use of a turn-based combat system based on the D&D 5e role-playing system, and it launched in early access back in 2020 on PC. But there was a surprising new addition tucked away in the game's new trailer: Renowned actor Jason Isaacs is joining the voice cast as Lord Envor Gortash.


Described by Larian Studios as a man who "freed himself of his bonds to envision wonders and become a master of both men and mechanisms," Gortash appears to be an imposing figure with a large amount of gravitas and the ability to command a room (and an army) without breaking a sweat.

“I want to lead this city to glory, not scorch its earth,” Gortash declares in a rousing speech depicted in the new trailer.

But actor Jason Isaacs has some concerns regarding Lord Gortash's characterization.

"I feat that the magnificent Lord Enver Gortash is being mischaracterized as a villain," Isaacs was quoted in a tweet from Larian Studios. "In a brutal world of betrayals and butchery, he's learned to lie better and backstab first. The joy in voicing him--apart from the obvious pleasure in getting to look so glorious--was that the creative team and I got to play loose enough to find ways that he could enjoy the ride and make the players hate him more!"

Though this comment seems to indicate fans initial feelings about the character's moral alignment are accurate, it does paint a picture of a multi-faceted, three-dimensional character who isn't simply bad or good. Players will get to know more about Gortash--and his motives--when Baldur's Gate 3 releases on August 31 for PS5 and PC. (An Xbox Series X|S version is also in development, but does not have a release date or window yet.) PC and PS5 players can preorder the game--including the Collector's Edition--via the official Baldur's Gate 3 website. The Baldur's Gate 3 Collector's Edition pays homage to the game's D&D roots, containing the following items:

  • a set of 32 stickers
  • a 160-page artbook
  • a Baldur's Gate 3 digital download code
  • a free in-game content code
  • the official Baludr's Gate 3 Collector's Edition game certificate
  • the "Mindflayer vs. Drow" battle diorama
  • Baldur's Gate 3 Collector's Edition Box
  • several origin character sheets
  • a Tadpole keychain
  • three Magic: The Gathering Baldur's Gate Booster Packs
  • an oversized metal D20 die
  • a cloth map

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