Baldur’s Gate 3 has grow to be a phenomenon on the Steam Deck, with players logging over 17 million hours on the platform alone. Publishing director Michael Douse shared this achievement, jokingly remarking on how much time that represents—nearly 1,965 years. This enormous playtime on Steam Deck showcases the recognition of the sport on handheld platforms and highlights how RPG fans are using the flexibleness of devices just like the Steam Deck to dive deeply into Baldur’s Gate 3’s vast world.
In light of this milestone, Douse humorously suggested the thought of a “special edition 100w battery,” designed specifically for the Steam Deck, referencing a “Bag of Holding” from Dungeons & Dragons. The proposed accessory would humorously “hold extra juice” for those long gaming marathons. This joke struck a chord with the community, because it playfully addressed the dedication of players who, despite battery constraints, proceed to take a position hours into the sport on the go.
Beyond Steam Deck, Baldur’s Gate 3 has an enormous player base across multiple platforms, including PC, PS5, and Xbox. While the 17 million hours logged on Steam Deck alone are impressive, the full hours spent on the sport across all platforms are likely exponentially higher. This accomplishment demonstrates the sport’s wide reach and sustained engagement across its diverse audience, bringing together players from different gaming ecosystems.
Larian Studios, the developer, has also fostered ongoing engagement through modding support, which recently reached over 50 million mod downloads since Patch 7. Among the many unique mods, players showed particular interest in one which allowed them to rename a personality, Withers, to “Bone Daddy,” a change embraced by around 10,000 players. This community-led customization shows how deeply fans have connected with Baldur’s Gate 3 and the way Larian has cultivated an environment that encourages player creativity.
These milestones highlight Baldur’s Gate 3 as not only a successful RPG but a cultural touchpoint in gaming. Its popularity on portable devices just like the Steam Deck and its continuous evolution through player-created mods and updates show Larian’s commitment to making a game that players need to keep returning to. Baldur’s Gate 3’s mixture of wealthy storytelling, immersive gameplay, and community support sets it apart as a game more likely to be enjoyed for a few years to return.
