Insights into Development and the Fate of Unseen Baldur’s Gate 3 Characters
Since its release, the modding community surrounding Baldur’s Gate 3 has showcased its creativity by introducing various mods, some of which allow previously unplayable characters to join the player’s party. Surprisingly, according to Swen Vincke, the head of Larian Studios, several of these characters were actually considered for inclusion as companions during the game’s early development stages, including a notable villain.
During his talk at the Game Developers Conference (GDC), Vincke delved into the behind-the-scenes aspects of Baldur’s Gate 3, shedding light on cut or altered content that occurred during the game’s creation. Among these revelations was the original concept of Astarion as a tiefling and the necessity for the team to make difficult decisions to ensure the game’s timely release.
Vincke hinted at a substantial roster of companions that didn’t make it into the final game, citing Act 2’s primary antagonist, Ketheric Thorm, as his favorite among the discarded characters. In the game’s narrative, players encounter Thorm as a malevolent force, ultimately confronting and defeating him to thwart his nefarious plans. However, Vincke disclosed that there was initially an alternative outcome planned, where players could persuade Thorm to join their cause.
This scrapped storyline would have involved Thorm becoming a valuable ally in the player’s journey, offering insights and assistance during pivotal moments in Act 2. However, due to project rescoping and the need to refine Act 2’s narrative, this subplot was ultimately abandoned.
Vincke further shared details about other excised content, including locations like Githyanki queen Vlaakith’s palace, the Gith Astral Plane, and even a visit to Hell itself. These cuts were made to strike a balance between map size and the sense of exploration, ensuring a cohesive gameplay experience.
Despite the wealth of cut content and potential storylines, Vincke concluded his GDC panel with the surprising announcement that Larian Studios will not be developing Baldur’s Gate 4 or any DLC for Baldur’s Gate 3. Instead, the studio is embarking on a new project outside of the Dungeons & Dragons universe, marking a new chapter in their creative journey.