Summary
Dungeons and Dragonshas come a long way from its tabletop origins, having expanded its brand and reach across nearly every other form of media. Well before this, though, 1999’s CPRGPlanescape: Tormentwas an early foray forDnDinto videogames, and has since become a cult classic among many fans.Planescape: Tormentmay not be as widely recognized compared to otherDnDworks that have come since, but it remains abeloved title for how it presented a deeply philosophical story within one ofDungeons and Dragons' more niche, but most captivating settings.
In a recent interview, David Gaider, who worked as lead writer on all three of BioWare’sDragon Ageentries, before joining other ex-BioWare members at developer and publisher Beamdog, spoke about his time there. Gaider revealed that Beamdog had planned asequel toPlanescape: Torment, but the game wound up being canceled. And though it didn’t come to fruition at the time, there are some good reasons that now may be the perfect moment forDungeons and DragonsIP holder Wizards of the Coast to consider revisiting this project.
Why the Time is Right for Dungeons and Dragons to Revisit the Canceled Planescape: Torment Sequel
Planescape: Torment’s Legacy and Canceled Sequel
What it’s usually most remembered for isPlanescape: Torment’s incredibly intricate narrative. Rather than emphasizing combat,Planescapefocuses on the tale of the Nameless One and his search for his missing memories and purpose in the world. Through an elaborate and unique setting populated by eccentric and diverse characters representing all facets of morality and viewpoints on the meaning of life and death,Planescapegave players an experience unlike many others before or since, and is often credited as having one of the best stories in gaming.
In the above interview, Gaider, who has since gone on to co-found Summerfall Studios, elaborated on his time at Beamdog. The studio previously had close ties withDungeons and Dragons, having worked on theremakes ofBaldur’s GateandNeverwinter Nights, as well as the enhanced edition ofPlanescape: Tormentreleased in 2017. Its sequel was to be titledPlanescape: Unraveled, with a premise that would have seen fans embark on “a quest to solve the mystery of their own existence through playing one of three aspects of Ravel Puzzlewell.”
However, it never made much headway due to a lack of funding at the time and the fact that whilePlanescape: Tormentwas well-liked, it was not a commercial success. But given the increasing popularity ofDnD, especially its most recent videogame, it might be a prudent time for it to go forward.
In 2017, inXile releasedTorment: Tides of Numenera, based on designer Monte Cook’sNumeneraTTRPG, and billed as a spiritual successor toPlanescape: Torment.
Wizards of the Coast Should Resurrect Planescape: Torment’s Canceled Followup Soon
2023 was a big year forDungeons and Dragonsadaptations, in large part thanks to Larian Studios’Baldur’s Gate 3. Hailed as a masterpiece,BG3topped many fans' and critics' lists for best game of that year, and indeed took home the prize at The Game Awards. While many expected more to come, Larian stated that it was moving on from the franchise, withBaldur’s Gate 3receiving its last big updateearlier this month.
GivenPlanescape: Torment’s statusand the general demand for moreDungeons and Dragonscontent, Wizards of the Coast tapping another studio to follow through onPlanescape: Unraveledwould be a great way to keep momentum forDnDgoing strong. It could capitalize onBaldur’s Gate 3’s popularity and success, and introduce those who may not be familiar with them toPlanescape’s memorable setting and scope, while exploring its ideas further to give both new and longtime fans another excellent story-and character-focusedDnDvideogame.
