Lídia Carvalho - Baldurs Gate 3: Inventory redesign

This case study was updated considering Patch 6.0 Larian Studios released on feb/2024 where QOL improvements were added to both console and PC versions.

As a senior UX/UI designer, and after playing 500+ hours of the game, I identified a significant issue with the game's inventory system on consoles, such as PlayStation 5 and Xbox.

The challenge lies in the clutter caused by the vast array of items players can collect, including consumables, equipment, and various reading materials like papers and books. This clutter not only affects the player's ability to manage their inventory efficiently but also detracts from the immersive experience of exploring the game world.

Recording of my inventory in the beggining of Act 3, playing in the PlayStation 5.

Still in the PS5, here I highlight all the items that are related to information gathered.

Problem Statement

Console players struggle to manage their inventory due to the lack of organizational tools, particularly for sorting and managing the abundance of reading materials such as papers and books. The current system does not offer adequate solutions for organizing and accessing this wealth of information, leading to frustration and a less-than-optimal user experience.

Here's my inventory from the character sheet menu on PS5. Since it isn't possible to organize items on bags like on PC, I keep all my scrolls on Karlach's inventory, since she can carry more weight than my main character.

Proposed Solution

To address this issue, I propose implementing a new feature centered around a character named Whiters, the Final Scribe. Whiters, previously known as Jergal, holds vast knowledge and serves as the keeper of information in the game world. Leveraging Whiters' role, we can introduce an "Archive" option in the menu dedicated to storing and organizing all collected papers, books, and other informational items.

The current screen with the options you have with Withers. Considering my suggestion, we would have a 4th option, it being the "Archive" one, containing all information collected throughout the campaign.

Design Concept

The Archive feature would offer players a secondary inventory specifically designed for storing and accessing informational items. This inventory would be accessible through Whiters in the player's camp, creating a thematic connection between the character's lore and the functionality of the feature.

Jergal acts as The Scribe for the dead.

Withers in BG3 is believed heavily to be a iteration of Jergal.

Implementation Steps

Design Integration: Incorporate the Archive option into the existing menu with Whiters, ensuring seamless navigation and integration with the game's UI/UX design.

Categorization and Filtering: Implement filters within the Archive to categorize items based on their type and relevance, such as githyanki tablets, NPC notes, key items, deity lore, historical events, and more. This allows players to easily locate specific information within the Archive.

Storage Management: Enable players to transfer items between their main inventory and the Archive, providing flexibility in managing their collected items. Additionally, allows players to choose whether to keep paper and book items in their main inventory or store them exclusively in the Archive.

Dialogue Prompt: Introduce a dialogue balloon above Whiters in the camp, indicating to players that they can speak with him to access the Archive feature. This ensures players are aware of the functionality and encourages utilization of the improved inventory system.

Updated inventory (Patch 6 for PC) displaying that I've kept all informational items collected in a separate backpack, with 240 items (in the begging of Act 3).

A new and important improvement made by the devs already is the ability of managing the inventory of all characters at once.

Benefits

Improved Organization: Players can easily organize and access informational items, reducing clutter in their main inventory and enhancing overall inventory management.

Enhanced Immersion: The thematic integration of Whiters and the Archive feature enriches the game world's lore and provides a more immersive experience for players.

Streamlined Navigation: The addition of categorization and filtering options simplifies the process of finding specific information, saving players time and frustration.

Conclusion

By integrating the Archive feature with Whiters, Baldur's Gate 3 provides console players with a more efficient and immersive inventory management solution. This enhancement not only addresses the existing challenges but also adds depth to the game world's lore while improving the overall user experience. With careful implementation and attention to detail, this solution will elevate Baldur's Gate 3 to new heights of gameplay enjoyment and immersion.

"Thou walkest alone?" is the new "Unfortunally, thou art maidenless"

Thank you for your time and attention!