Dungeons and Dragonshas seen a resurgence in popularity, particularly thanks toBaldur’s Gate 3’s massive success. For players who don’t want to homebrew their own adventures,Wizards of the Coasthas years of campaigns available, with some of their most popular achieving iconic status in the community. One of the most popularDungeons and Dragonscampaigns isCurse of Strahd, a gothic horror campaign that has captivated players for years.
Penguin Random House is partnering withWotCto release a novel based on the popularCurse of Strahdcampaign, potentially laying the groundwork for a series of canon events for Strahd, Barovia, and Ravenloft. With a sequence of canon events, this may be the perfect opportunity to base a video game adaptation onCurse of Strahd.That could bring one of the most popularD&Dcampaigns to a wider audience, and introduce video game players to Strahd, who is considered one of the greatest villains inDungeons and Dragons.
Curse of Strahd’s Potential as a Video Game
The novel,Ravenloft: Heir of Strahd, concerns five strangers who awaken in Strahd’s homeland of Barovia with no memory of how they arrived. The group receives an invitation from Strahd to his castle, which they have little choice but to accept. The events of the book follow the group as they navigate the halls of Castle Ravenloft, try to solve the mystery of their arrival, and attempt to escape before it is too late.
This wouldn’t be the first time aWotCproperty inspired a video game, asDescent Into Avernusprovided much of the groundwork forBaldur’s Gate 3’s framing. The tieflings refugees inBaldur’s Gate 3were displaced by the events ofDescent Into Avernus, and the events of the campaign were referenced by characters throughoutBaldur’s Gate 3.
Developing Strahd as a Character
Ravenloft: Heir of Strahd’s release is a great opportunity to expand on Strahd as a character and, in a game, give players a more developed and personal relationship with one ofDungeons and Dragon’s most iconic villains.WotCdoesn’t have to shape him into a morally good character, but instead give him a nuanced and interesting relationship with the protagonist of a video game, like an extended version of the Dark Urge’s relationship with Gortash or Orin.
Adapting Ravenloft and Its Characters to a Video Game
Curse of Strahdis all about gothic horror, a setting that’s been popular with sci-fi and fantasy fans for hundreds of years. Not only is Ravenloft the perfect setting for a video game, but vampires have always been a winning bet in popular culture, as seen withAstarion being a player favorite inBaldur’s Gate 3. Even better would be Strahd as the main antagonist, as he’s always been popular as a villain inDungeons and Dragons, so he could shine even more in a video game.
Ravenloft and Player Customization
TheRavenloft settingintroduced some of the most interesting player backgrounds and lineages, including dhampirs, reborn, and hexbloods. This could give players a range of customization options and the potential for a unique party with diverse backstories and compelling companion quests.Ravenloft: Heir of Strahdwill potentially create a set of canon events for Ravenloft and create the foundations that a video game can build on. It also includes a setting that’s different enough fromBaldur’s Gate 3that it won’t feel derivative, but it’ll be similar enough to cater to the same gamers.
