Dungeons and Dragons: Why Now is the Time to Revisit Planescape: Torment's Canceled Sequel

Summary

Planescape: Torment is a cult classic CRPG known for its deep, philosophical narrative and memorable world within Dungeons and Dragons’ universe.
Developer Beamdog previously planned a sequel, “Planescape: Unraveled,” that was canceled due to lack of funding.
Wizards of the Coast should revisit this canceled sequel to capitalize on DnD’s popularity and fan demand for more titles.

Dungeons and Dragons has come a long way from its tabletop origins, having expanded its brand and reach across nearly every other form of media. Well before this, though, 1999’s CPRG Planescape: Torment was an early foray for DnD into videogames, and has since become a cult classic among many fans. Planescape: Torment may not be as widely recognized compared to other DnD works that have come since, but it remains a beloved title for how it presented a deeply philosophical story within one of Dungeons and Dragons‘ more niche, but most captivating settings.

In a recent interview, David Gaider, who worked as lead writer on all three of BioWare’s Dragon Age entries, before joining other ex-BioWare members at developer and publisher Beamdog, spoke about his time there. Gaider revealed that Beamdog had planned a sequel to Planescape: Torment, but the game wound up being canceled. And though it didn’t come to fruition at the time, there are some good reasons that now may be the perfect moment for Dungeons and Dragons IP holder Wizards of the Coast to consider revisiting this project.

Dungeons and Dragons’ Scrapped Project Doesn’t Have to Be The End For One Media

An ambitious Dungeons and Dragons tool recently got scrapped, but this shocking cancelation is hopefully just a bump in the road.

Why the Time is Right for Dungeons and Dragons to Revisit the Canceled Planescape: Torment Sequel

Planescape: Torment’s Legacy and Canceled Sequel

What it’s usually most remembered for is Planescape: Torment‘s incredibly intricate narrative. Rather than emphasizing combat, Planescape focuses on the tale of the Nameless One and his search for his missing memories and purpose in the world. Through an elaborate and unique setting populated by eccentric and diverse characters representing all facets of morality and viewpoints on the meaning of life and death, Planescape gave players an experience unlike many others before or since, and is often credited as having one of the best stories in gaming.

In the above interview, Gaider, who has since gone on to co-found Summerfall Studios, elaborated on his time at Beamdog. The studio previously had close ties with Dungeons and Dragons, having worked on the remakes of Baldur’s Gate and Neverwinter Nights, as well as the enhanced edition of Planescape: Torment released in 2017. Its sequel was to be titled Planescape: Unraveled, with a premise that would have seen fans embark on “a quest to solve the mystery of their own existence through playing one of three aspects of Ravel Puzzlewell.”

However, it never made much headway due to a lack of funding at the time and the fact that while Planescape: Torment was well-liked, it was not a commercial success. But given the increasing popularity of DnD, especially its most recent videogame, it might be a prudent time for it to go forward.

In 2017, inXile released Torment: Tides of Numenera, based on designer Monte Cook’s Numenera TTRPG, and billed as a spiritual successor to Planescape: Torment.

Wizards of the Coast Should Resurrect Planescape: Torment’s Canceled Followup Soon

2023 was a big year for Dungeons and Dragons adaptations, in large part thanks to Larian Studios’ Baldur’s Gate 3. Hailed as a masterpiece, BG3 topped many fans’ and critics’ lists for best game of that year, and indeed took home the prize at The Game Awards. While many expected more to come, Larian stated that it was moving on from the franchise, with Baldur’s Gate 3 receiving its last big update earlier this month.

Given Planescape: Torment‘s status and the general demand for more Dungeons and Dragons content, Wizards of the Coast tapping another studio to follow through on Planescape: Unraveled would be a great way to keep momentum for DnD going strong. It could capitalize on Baldur’s Gate 3‘s popularity and success, and introduce those who may not be familiar with them to Planescape‘s memorable setting and scope, while exploring its ideas further to give both new and longtime fans another excellent story-and character-focused DnD videogame.

Planescape: Torment

Released: December 12, 1999
ESRB: t
Developer(s): Black Isle Studios
Engine: Infinity Engine