BioWare Corporation's 1998 classic — its history, how the press received it, how it plays today, and what a copy costs.
- Released
- 1998 · PC (DOS / Windows)
- Developer
- BioWare Corporation
- Publisher
- SEGA Enterprises Ltd.
- MobyScore
- ★ 8.36
- Players today
- Overwhelmingly Positive on Steam (97% of 504455)
The history
Developed by the then-fledgling Canadian studio BioWare, Baldur's Gate was only the second game the company ever produced, following 1996's Shattered Steel. Partnering with Black Isle Studios, BioWare sought to translate the complexity and freedom of the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (AD&D) 2nd Edition tabletop rules into a digital format set within the Forgotten Realms campaign setting.
The game mattered because it defied industry expectations and rebutted the common belief that role-playing games were commercially moribund. While internal worldwide sales goals were set at 200,000 units to justify a sequel, and some forecasts for the British market predicted zero sales, the title became an unexpected commercial hit that significantly increased the publisher's stock price.
How it plays
The game follows an orphan raised by the mage Gorion in the fortress of Candlekeep. After an ambush by assassins leaves Gorion dead, the protagonist and their companion Imoen embark on a perilous journey through towns, wilderness areas, and dungeons. Players create their character by selecting a class—including fighter, paladin, thief, bard, mage, cleric, ranger, or druid—as well as their alignment and weapon proficiencies, with the ability to create multi-classed or dual-classed characters.
The gameplay loop utilizes AD&D 2nd Edition rules for leveling, class restrictions, and combat. A separate reputation system tracks the party's perception as a force for good or evil, influencing shop prices and NPC interactions. Combat features up to six player-controlled characters in real-time isometric battles that can be paused at any time to issue precise commands, making party formation and positioning critical to success.
How it was received
Baldur's Gate was a critical and commercial triumph upon release. It earned high marks across the board, including a 92% from GameRankings, 91/100 from Metacritic, 9.4/10 from IGN, and 9.2/10 from GameSpot. It was a massive hit for publisher Interplay, with its first 50,000 copies selling out immediately and global sales exceeding 500,000 units by February 1999. It reached #1 on the charts in Canada, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
In the magazines
The period press.
The game received stellar reviews from the press, scoring 5/5 from Computer Gaming Strategy and NGen, 4/5 from Computer Gaming World, and 9/10 from both Electronic Gaming Monthly and MaxPC, while PC Gamer US awarded it a 94/100.
Screenshots
The box & the art
Cover art, and real copies photographed in the wild.
Legacy
BioWare would go on to become a powerhouse in the RPG genre, though this title remains a cornerstone of the saga. It is worth seeking out today for its ambitious translation of tabletop D&D depth and the foundational worldbuilding of the Forgotten Realms.
What it's worth
Copies surface on the second-hand market from time to time, but listings are sparse enough that there's no reliable price band to quote — check the live search for what's available right now.
See current copies on eBay →Copies in the wild
Real listing photos — the range of condition you'll meet.
Photographed examples from past listings — illustrative of condition, not a live inventory.
How to play it in 2026
Easiest today: Steam or GOG (DRM-free) on modern Windows. Either way the core game is intact.
Modern updates to the Infinity Engine have helped bring better compatibility to modern PCs. Additionally, a Widescreen mod allows the game to be played at resolutions previously unsupported by the original release.
Verdict
Baldur's Gate stands as a masterclass in adapting complex tabletop rules for the PC. Its blend of real-time action with tactical pausing and a deep reputation system creates a world that feels reactive and alive.
Despite the age of its engine, the core loop of party management and exploration remains compelling, proving why it was able to revitalize the RPG genre in the late 90s.
Sources: MobyGames, Steam, and period/web coverage. Prices reflect the second-hand market and change over time.