As the highly anticipated PC release of Baldur’s Gate 3 approaches on August 3rd (September 6th for PS5), fans are eagerly awaiting their chance to dive into the immersive world created by Larian Studios. However, a recent development update from the studio sparked confusion and raised some concerns.
The update mentioned that Baldur’s Gate 3 contains “more than three times the dialogue of all three Lord of the Rings novels combined” and “174 hours of cutscenes, which is more than twice the length of all seasons of Game of Thrones combined.”
Clearing Up Misunderstandings
This statement led to misinterpretations, causing some to question whether Baldur’s Gate 3 would be a passive experience with excessively long cutscenes that limit player interaction. However, this is a misunderstanding for several reasons.
First and foremost, the total playtime of Baldur’s Gate 3 does not amount to 174 hours for everyone. On average, a single campaign can range from 75 to 100 hours, while completists may spend up to 200 hours exploring the world of Faerun.
From the Early Access phase of Baldur’s Gate 3, it became clear that the game is, indeed, a video game and not simply an animated film. The ratio of cutscenes to classic gameplay is expected to be similar in the final release. The extensive number of cutscenes is a result of the game’s emphasis on player choice and the diverse outcomes that arise from different decisions.
Larian Studios Provides Clarification
During a recent Panel from Hell livestream, Larian Studios’ CEO Swen Vincke and Lead Writer Adam Smith took the opportunity to address the concerns and clarify the nature of Baldur’s Gate 3’s cutscenes. They emphasized that the game is far from a passive experience and that the cutscenes are interactive and tailored to each player’s unique journey.
Vincke explained that the mention of 174 hours of cutscenes was primarily highlighting the importance of choice in the game. Smith further added that the cutscenes are not epic, lengthy sequences that require hours of uninterrupted viewing.
Instead, they are dynamic and offer opportunities for player engagement, decision-making, and interaction. Players will have conversations, engage in combat, and make choices during these cinematic moments.
Embracing the Personal Journey
The beauty of Baldur’s Gate 3 lies in its personalized approach. Depending on the character you choose to play as, you will experience unique cinematics that add depth and richness to your individual story. This feature applies to all Origin characters in the game, ensuring a tailored experience for each player.
Larian Studios has made it clear that Baldur’s Gate 3 is far from a passive cinematic experience. The extensive cutscenes are interactive, allowing players to shape the narrative through their choices and actions. The 174 hours of cutscenes mentioned in the update highlight the vast possibilities and diverse outcomes that await players in the game.
As the release date approaches, fans can look forward to immersing themselves in the interactive world of Baldur’s Gate 3 and embarking on a thrilling journey filled with choices, conversations, and epic battles.
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