HBO orders Baldur’s Gate 3 series from The Last of Us creator Craig Mazin

HBO has officially announced a series order for a live-action television adaptation of the critically acclaimed role-playing game Baldur’s Gate 3. The premium network has tapped Craig Mazin, the creative force behind the successful adaptation of The Last of Us and the historical drama Chernobyl, to lead the project as executive producer and showrunner. This development marks a significant expansion of HBO’s relationship with high-profile gaming properties following the massive commercial and critical success of its previous collaborations with PlayStation Productions.

The project is being developed in close partnership with Larian Studios, the Belgian developer responsible for the award-winning 2023 title. Swen Vincke, the founder of Larian Studios, will serve as an executive producer alongside Mazin, ensuring that the television adaptation remains faithful to the complex narrative and deep lore of the Dungeons & Dragons universe. While casting details and a specific production timeline remain under wraps, industry insiders suggest that the network is looking to fast-track the project to capitalize on the sustained popularity of the source material.

Mazin’s involvement signals HBO’s commitment to treating video game narratives with the same prestige as literary adaptations. The showrunner has expressed his intention to translate the expansive, player-driven choices of the game into a cohesive dramatic structure, focusing on the core party of characters and their struggle against the Mind Flayer invasion. The production will reportedly leverage the high-budget visual effects and ensemble-driven storytelling that have become hallmarks of HBO’s flagship programming.

The announcement comes at a time when the entertainment industry is increasingly looking toward the gaming sector for established intellectual property with built-in global audiences. By securing the rights to Baldur’s Gate 3, HBO positions itself at the forefront of this trend, aiming to replicate the cultural impact of The Last of Us. Fans of the franchise can expect a production that prioritizes character depth and the high-stakes political intrigue inherent to the Forgotten Realms setting.

The collaboration represents a major milestone for Larian Studios, transitioning their most successful digital venture into a new medium. As the series moves into pre-production, the focus will likely turn to the challenge of adapting a game known for its hundreds of hours of branching dialogue into a serialized television format. Further announcements regarding the writing team and potential lead actors are expected later this year.