Divinity: Original Sin 2’s ‘Game Master Mode’ can run Dungeons & Dragons campaigns inside the PC RPG

Divinity: Original Sin 2, the sequel to the acclaimed 2014 roleplaying video game that itself was the spiritual successor to Dungeons & Dragons PC RPGs such as Baldur’s Gate, is blurring the line between the tabletop and virtual worlds further with a dedicated ‘Game Master Mode’ that can be used to run custom campaigns inside the game.

As detailed by Polygon, GM Mode was originally conceived as an extra stretch goal for the game’s Kickstarter but soon grew to become something larger, attracting the attention of D&D publisher Wizards of the Coast, which allowed developer Larian to demo the mode using the Lost Mine of Phandelver module from D&D’s fifth edition starter set.

In contrast to the normal campaign mode of the game, which pits human-controller characters against AI enemies, the GM Mode allows an extra human to take control of the game world, creating unique environments, encounters and combat scenarios and adjusting to player’s actions on the fly – just as in a tabletop RPG.

In one example, the GM is able to roll a virtual d20 to test a player’s intelligence and access previously hidden items at a shop. In another, a player is able to scale a vine and throw a goblin archer over the cliff by testing strength – something that can’t be done in the standard game.

So-called ‘vignettes’ are used to offer custom descriptions and decisions to help guide the story, with GMs able to create a playlist of single-screen scenarios from a library of up to 150 pre-made environments or make their own in an included level editor, including the ability to take the game outside of the fantasy genre to other popular settings such as sci-fi. This may even include the ability for creators to sell their own custom campaigns in the future.

While the Lost Mine of Phandelver scenario shown off isn’t officially confirmed to come as part of Original Sin 2, simply being used as a showcase for the moment, Larian told Polygon it hopes to secure the licences needed to include the module and other D&D modules from Wizards of the Coast.

Original Sin 2 is available on Steam Early Access now, which includes the first act of the game and the player-versus-player arena. The full game – including GM Mode – is planned for release by the end of 2017.