Baldur’s Gate 3 devs reveal gamers at The Vatican are playing Larian’s RPG

Larian Studio’s Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the biggest RPGs ever released, selling millions of copies across the world. As it turns out, the devout religious country of Vatican City has even joined in on the game’s success with multiple copies sold in the Holy See.

Vatican City gamers play Baldur’s Gate 3

Revealed by Larian Studios’ director of publishing Michael Douse, Baldur’s Gate 3 has been purchased twice in Vatican City. While it’s unlikely that the elderly Pope Francis is spending his evenings snuggling up with Astarion under the covers with a Steam Deck, we can’t rule it out. 

“Sold 2 copies of Baldur’s Gate 3 in The Vatican, with 1 wishlist,” Douse revealed to fans. “I’d like to think the latter is just the Pope waiting until he has a free minute. Wish I could see their mod list. Bet it’s absolutely gnarly.”

While many would assume that the themes of Baldur’s Gate 3 may be too much for a Catholic holy city to take on, The Vatican has moved to be more progressive than many would assume. For example, the large number of gay and bisexual encounters in BG3 should roll fine with Pope Francis who has officially supported homosexuality. However, since every romantic encounter occurs out of wedlock, we imagine at least some harsh tuts would be uttered. 

However, as a Dungeons & Dragons property, the fact that BG3 is even allowed to be sold in Vatican City is a massive improvement over the past. As Skyrim lead designer Bruce Nesmith discussed in a recent VideoGamer interview, it wasn’t that long ago that the Church demonised D&D during the 80s’ Satanic Panic. 

Who knows if anyone playing Larian’s RPG in Vatican City is a priest, a pope or someone ordinary? For us, it’s way funnier when it’s kept as a mystery. 

If you’re looking for more BG3 news, check out these new mods attempting to restore cut content to the game or another that adds a worldwide pandemic to the game.