Baldur's Gate 3 Expands Into Print With an Astarion Prequel and More
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Wizards of the Coast and Random House Worlds are launching a new Baldur's Gate 3 book lineup, highlighted by an Astarion prequel novel written by T. Kingfisher and narrated by Neil Newbon.
The massive cultural footprint of Baldur's Gate 3 is expanding beyond the screen and into bookstore shelves. Wizards of the Coast has announced a new partnership with Random House Worlds to release a wave of official companion books, kicking off an extensive publishing initiative. Leading the charge is a dedicated prequel novel focusing on everyone's favorite rogue vampire spawn, written by award-winning author T. Kingfisher. Set for release on September 29, the book explores Astarion's grim early years of servitude under Cazador Szarr. To keep lore purists happy, Larian Studios senior writer Stephen Rooney consulted on the project to maintain complete consistency with the game's intricate world-building.
For those who prefer their media interactive, the audio version of the novel brings back a familiar voice. Neil Newbon, who took home Game of the Year acting honors for his definitive portrayal of Astarion, is returning to narrate the audiobook through Penguin Random House Audio. It is a smart move that guarantees the adaptation will capture the exact theatrical energy that made the character a streaming and fan art icon in the first place.
The broader publishing lineup leans heavily into community culture and tabletop roots. Clarkson Potter is releasing a replica of The Necromancy of Thay on July 21 as a blank grid-paper notebook, complete with embossed skull details and unholy clasps. Meanwhile, Ten Speed Press is dropping an official coloring book and A Feast for a Tenday: The Official Baldur’s Gate Cookbook by Andrew Wheeler. The cookbook even labels shareable dishes as romanceable, proving that publishers understand the exact brand of humor that keeps the game's community active on social media years after launch. You can read the original report over at Polygon.
Tags: Baldurs Gate 3, Larian Studios, Gaming News, Books, Streaming Culture
Original article: Polygon