After the resounding success of Baldur’s Gate 3 – a role-playing game that has received widespread acclaim, the tabletop game producer WizKids has launched a line of figurines featuring the main characters along with a set of accessories.
However, the quality of the products has fallen to a level that has disappointed many fans, prompting the company to publicly apologize and offer full refunds to purchasers.
Developed by Larian Studios, Baldur’s Gate 3 has captured the hearts of millions of gamers worldwide since its official release in August 2023. Moreover, this title stands out as one of the best games of 2023.
Not just a game, Baldur’s Gate 3 has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring thousands of fan art, cosplay, lively discussions, and resulting in products that follow the character models – however, the quality of these products has not met expected standards. As of September 2024, WizKids – a well-known brand in the board game and miniature industry – announced the product line D&D Icons of the Realms: Baldur’s Gate 3 Character Boxed Set, priced at $49.99 (approximately 1.3 million VND). The boxed set includes seven characters: Karlach, Astarion, Shadowheart, Gale, Lae’zel, Wyll, and a Mind Flayer – marketed as “authentic, vivid, and exquisite.”
However, after months of waiting, fans received figurines that lacked attention to detail, appeared sloppy, and did not accurately reflect the character designs in the game. Even Elodie Ceselli, the senior artist at Larian Studios, publicly criticized the product quality on social media. Previously, complaints had become widespread, prompting WizKids to officially respond on their website. The company also encouraged buyers to return the products to the store for refunds. At the same time, they are conducting an investigation into the production process to ensure higher quality standards for future prints.
In the context of increasingly growing interest in titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, the demand for tabletop miniatures and merchandise is also on the rise. However, this incident serves as a clear reminder that the gaming community’s expectations cannot be satisfied with substandard products.
