This past weekend, I played Baldur's Gate 3 multiplayer with my partner and my dad. Making characters was fun as heck. The number of options and attention that Larion - the studio behind 2023's smash hit - has paid to inclusivity is stellar.

Once we hopped into the game, my enthusiasm for the endeavor began to wane. When one player interacts with an NPC or a quest object, other characters are able to listen in, but not meaningfully affect the outcome of the interaction in-game. In combat, even though the turn-based structure of Dungeons & Dragons - the massively popular roleplaying game which Baldur's Gate 3 masterfully recreates - has been modified to be as fast as possible, it drags while your fellow players figure out their moves and execute them.

I know, I know - this is to be expected, right? It's a D&D game, of course there's going to be some waiting around. It's a social thing. You're playing multiplayer.

If I had been in the above mindset, I would have had a lot more fun with co-op Baldur's Gate 3. As it stood, I guess I was just hoping to play a video game, make progress, and experience this story that everyone is so buck wild about. And I think I'll be able to do this in single player, at my own pace. Multiplayer felt hectic outside of battle and glacial in it, and I think I know why.

It's because Larion designed the experience to play like an actual D&D campaign. They're expecting folks who are investing in multiplayer to meet regularly - probably once or twice a week - very rarely split the party, and have some tasty snacks and drinks on hand while hanging out with friends (be it virtually or locally). In this way, they've succeeded. It makes for a unique gaming experience that is an absolutely wonderful introduction to the world of tabletop roleplaying. Leaps and bounds more accessible than starting a pencil and paper D&D campaign and available on the network at all times, Baldur's Gate 3 has opened up a huge new audience of questers to the absolute joys - and pesky frustrations - of the whole shebang.

My partner and I host a weekly D&D session at our house. We tell stories and laugh with friends. Folks are patient with my sometimes rough GMing, and we have a good time. I think since my itch for collaborative storytelling is already scratched in this way, I struggle to enjoy the full Baldur's Gate 3 multiplayer experience.

I adored the time with my family and would play with them again in an instant. However, I think I'll have to stick to single player if I want to experience the game in full. Just not sure I have the patience for another classic co-op D&D night on the calendar. But if you do, this game has my full endorsement. Venture forth!