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Baldur's Gate 3 writer says the RPG's reputation system exists because Larian can't just let players "break" party members: "We would be working on the game forever"
Baldur's Gate 3 writer Kevin VanOrd explained that the game's reputation system with companions exists to prevent players from endlessly 'breaking' the party. This system allows characters to react to player choices without requiring developers to write unique dialogue for every possible scenario, thus saving development time.
Crimson Desert’s AI-Generated Assets Were “Unintentionally Included,” Says Pearl Abyss
Pearl Abyss has addressed controversy surrounding the unintentional inclusion of AI-generated assets in Crimson Desert. The developer stated that these assets were part of early-stage iteration and intended to be replaced, apologizing for the lack of transparency and the oversight. Pearl Abyss is now conducting an audit to replace affected content and is reviewing internal processes to improve communication with players.
These are my 20 RPG freak pick must-plays for $10 or less in the Steam Spring Sale
This guide highlights over 20 role-playing games available for $10 or less during the Steam Spring Sale, focusing on less obvious but highly recommended titles. It includes games like Arx Fatalis, Deus Ex: Invisible War, and Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, detailing their developers, release years, and unique selling points.
Baldur's Gate 3 Shadowheart writer had to sit down with his Lae'zel counterpart to make sure that their joint romance would actually make sense: "That allowed us to reframe their initial clash"
Larian Studios writers Kevin VanOrd and John Corcoran discussed the process of creating convincing romance options for Baldur's Gate 3 companions, particularly focusing on the initially antagonistic relationship between Lae'zel and Shadowheart. They collaborated to ensure their individual character arcs and eventual romance felt cohesive, despite their differing backgrounds and initial clashes.
How many games can you identify just from a screenshot of their open world?
This article presents a quiz challenging readers to identify video game open worlds solely from screenshots. It highlights the appeal of expansive virtual landscapes and mentions other PC Gamer quizzes on various gaming trivia topics. The quiz includes 15 screenshots with a four-minute time limit.
Crimson Desert Players Think They've Found AI-Generated Art In-Game - IGN
Players of the newly released Crimson Desert have raised concerns about potential AI-generated art assets within the game, pointing to several in-game paintings with unusual details. Developer Pearl Abyss has not yet commented on the accusations, which could violate Steam's AI Content policy if true. This follows similar controversies involving other major game titles and the use of generative AI in development.
Baldur's Gate 3 writer admits "I wish I could have done more" with the RPG's least-appreciated party member, like a dedicated friendship system and inter-party dates
Baldur's Gate 3 writer Kevin VanOrd expressed a desire to have done more with the companion Wyll, noting his content felt sparser compared to other party members. Larian Studios acknowledges this sentiment, with fans frequently discussing Wyll's perceived lack of development, particularly in romance options, despite the game having received its final major update.
SAGA Barcelona Game Fest is Born
SAGA Barcelona Game Fest is a new annual video game convention launching in Southern Europe, aiming to be the largest event for both professionals and gamers. The inaugural event will take place from October 9-11, 2026, at Fira de Barcelona Montjuïc, featuring industry-focused activities on the first day and public-oriented events on the subsequent two days. The convention will include game exhibition booths, retro gaming areas, esports competitions, and networking opportunities for over 5,000 professionals.
A "simple test" of Baldur's Gate 3's modding tools has "snowballed" into a full-blown remake of the first Baldur's Gate, and you can play the demo now
A team of modders is creating a full remake of the original Baldur's Gate using the Baldur's Gate 3 engine and its modding tools. The project, named Deathbringer's Reign, has released a demo featuring the Candlekeep area and plans to expand to include more locations and companions from the original game. The team is seeking volunteers to help with the ambitious remake, which aims to leverage Baldur's Gate 3's mechanics for enhanced gameplay.
A Mod To Turn Baldur's Gate 3 Into Baldur's Gate 1 Is In The Works, Demo Out Now
A team of modders known as Deathbringer's Reign is developing a large-scale mod for Baldur's Gate 3 that aims to recreate the original 1998 game, Baldur's Gate. The mod will include most content from Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition, with the exception of the Siege of Dragonspear expansion. A demo is currently available, though the team is seeking volunteers to help with development, particularly with challenges like recreating the city of Baldur's Gate and lip-syncing animations.
"The sheer scale is daunting": These Baldur's Gate 3 modders are remaking the entirety of Baldur's Gate 1 as a custom campaign, with a first demo already out
A team of modders, led by 786r786, is recreating the entirety of the original Baldur's Gate as a custom campaign for Baldur's Gate 3. The project, named Deathbringer's Reign, has released a demo featuring Candlekeep and plans to include all content from Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition. The modders are facing challenges in translating the original city's scale and implementing dialogue systems.
"We need to push back harder": Nvidia's DLSS 5 "AI slop" filter is being torn apart by industry veterans from Baldur's Gate 3, Palworld, and many more
Industry veterans from games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Palworld are criticizing Nvidia's new DLSS 5 AI upscaling technology, labeling it "AI slop" and "dogshit." Developers from New Blood Interactive, Epic Games, Pocketpair, and Larian Studios have voiced concerns about the uncanny visual results and the potential normalization of lower quality graphics for future generations.
Best Fantasy Games To Escape The World In 2026
This guide highlights 15 of the best fantasy games available on modern platforms, focusing on titles that offer immersive worlds and engaging gameplay. The list includes a variety of RPG subgenres, from first-person and CRPG to action and turn-based, featuring games like Avowed, Baldur's Gate 3, Elden Ring, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Obituary: ISM co-founder Clyde Grossman has passed away
Clyde Grossman, co-founder of the Interactive Studio Management (ISM) agency, has passed away. ISM, which has been operating for over 26 years, specialized in providing strategic advice and closing publishing deals for interactive entertainment clients. Grossman was instrumental in the success of numerous game developers and titles, and previously held executive roles at Sony Computer Entertainment of America, Microprose, and Sega of America.
Can you identify these iconic PC games from just a piece of concept art?
PC Gamer has created a quiz challenging players to identify iconic PC games based solely on their concept art. The article features 20 pieces of concept art, with the quiz designed to be challenging, suggesting that scoring over 5 out of 20 is a good result. It also mentions other quizzes available on the PC Gamer website covering various gaming trivia.
"We're 2 different beasts": Studio behind CRPG Solasta 2 bought their dev team copies of Baldur's Gate 3 and they "love" it, but devs say comparisons to Larian's game aren't entirely accurate
Tactical Adventures, the studio behind the CRPG Solasta 2, acknowledges frequent comparisons to Larian Studios' Baldur's Gate 3 but emphasizes their game's distinct features. CEO Mathieu Girard and marketing director Pierre Worgague highlighted Solasta 2's deep combat, world map exploration, and party-focused narrative as key differentiators, stating they are 'two different beasts'.
How well do you know Baldur's Gate 3's second act? You may need an actual brainworm to score a perfect 20/20…
This article presents a quiz testing knowledge of Act 2 in Baldur's Gate 3, featuring 20 questions covering characters, locations, and plot points within the Shadow-Cursed Lands. The quiz aims to challenge players' recall of the game's second act, with the author expressing a personal fondness for its atmospheric dread.
"Everyone is comparing us to Baldur's Gate 3 so there's no way to avoid it" - But Solasta 2 is different in some very important ways
Solasta 2, developed by the smaller studio Tactical Adventures, is frequently compared to Baldur's Gate 3 due to their shared Dungeons & Dragons roots and isometric perspective. However, Solasta 2 differentiates itself through its focus on party-based family dynamics rather than individual companion relationships, a more tactical combat system, and a distinct world map exploration mechanic. While it may not match Baldur's Gate 3's narrative depth or scope, Solasta 2 aims for a unique experience with its own strengths, including utilizing updated D&D 2024 rules and offering indie-level pricing.
New tactics RPG Never's End blends Final Fantasy with the turbulent spell combos of Divinity: Original Sin
Never's End is a new tactics RPG that blends the visual style of Final Fantasy Tactics with the complex spell combo mechanics found in Divinity: Original Sin. Players lead possessed villagers against undead hordes, utilizing a unique heat transfer system to manipulate the environment and create strategic advantages. The game also features town-building elements and a narrative where the player's actions might inadvertently make them the villain.
The future of RPGs is isometric
The isometric role-playing game genre is experiencing a significant resurgence, driven by the success of titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Disco Elysium. This trend sees developers embracing the classic top-down perspective, bridging the gap between modern AAA RPGs and older, more hardcore cRPGs, with new projects emerging across indie, AA, and even AAA studios.
