Gerard Way stopped his My Chemical Romance concert mid-performance to discuss classic RPGs with the audience, revealing he's never played Baldur's Gate 3 despite its massive success. The frontman expressed fondness for the original Baldur's Gate, calling it "the closest thing at the time to playing D&D."
Way's comments highlight the enduring cultural impact of Larian Studios' Baldur's Gate franchise, even among high-profile musicians. The original game, released in 1998 by BioWare, revolutionized computer RPGs by translating tabletop Dungeons & Dragons mechanics into an isometric experience that defined the genre for decades.
Baldur's Gate 3, which launched in August 2023 after three years in early access, became a cultural phenomenon. The game sold over 12 million copies and dominated awards conversations, winning Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2023. Its success pushed CRPGs back into mainstream consciousness and proved that complex, narrative-driven RPGs could reach audiences far beyond traditional gaming circles.
Way's admission that he hasn't experienced Baldur's Gate 3 resonates with casual and lapsed gamers who recognize the original's legacy but struggle to find time for modern 100-plus-hour experiences. His spontaneous concert discussion demonstrates how these games transcend their core audience, sparking conversations among people who grew up with games like the original Baldur's Gate.
The band leader's tangential RPG tangent during a live show underscores how deeply gaming has woven itself into mainstream entertainment and celebrity culture. Whether Way eventually boots up Baldur's Gate 3 on PC or console remains to be seen, but his public acknowledgment of the franchise keeps the spotlight on Larian's ongoing dominance in the CRPG space.