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Duffer Brothers Cite Baldur's Gate 3 as Key Inspiration for Stranger Things Finale

The creators drew on a Dungeons & Dragons party dynamic to center unity over a lone-hero finish.

Overview

  • In a Variety interview, Matt Duffer said he was playing Baldur's Gate 3 while shaping the ending and designed the resolution around the entire party working together.
  • He emphasized that characters reached personal closure before the final confrontation, aligning the structure with team-focused RPG storytelling.
  • Analyses highlighted the shared Mind Flayer lore and thematic parallels, noting a focus on collective effort rather than one-to-one game references.
  • Larian Studios chief Swen Vincke acknowledged the shoutout on social media, calling the nod "pretty cool."
  • The creators mentioned unspecified video game references but offered no details or partnership news, with coverage framing the link as creative influence only.