Baldur's Gate 3 - Softonic English

The director of the Baldur's Gate 3 studio has been wanting to kill one of the most iconic characters for years, without success

Larian Studios has achieved resounding success with Baldur’s Gate 3, which has led many players to rediscover their previous titles, especially Divinity: Original Sin 2. In this context, the studio’s director, Swen Vincke, has shared reflections on past decisions and the future direction of video game development at the company. An immortal squirrel One of the most notable topics was the inclusion of Sir Lora, a curious squirrel that travels on a dead cat, in the DLC of Divinity: Original Sin 2. Vincke has stated that he considers this to be one of his worst decisions. A […]

An Immortal Squirrel

One of the most notable topics was the inclusion of Sir Lora, a quirky squirrel that travels on a dead cat, in the DLC of Divinity: Original Sin 2. Vincke has stated that he considers this to be one of his worst decisions. Although many players, such as journalist Leya Jankowski, have enjoyed the character, he tried to remove it in the Nintendo Switch 2 version due to pressure from the publisher, although he was informed by the quality control team that it was already too late to do so.

In an interview with MeinMMO, Vincke explained that, although his team uses generative artificial intelligence as a support tool in the conceptualization phases, the main content is still created by humans. This technology is used to automate routine tasks, allowing designers to focus more on the player experience. He assured that every decision, dialogue, and interaction within their games is meticulously designed by the creative team, true to the studio’s philosophy of offering RPGs with maximum freedom of choice.

Finally, Vincke emphasized that the vision of the study is not compromised by the use of AI, as its goal is to create an environment where players feel they truly control the game’s narrative. With a clear focus on human creativity, Larian Studios continues to cement its reputation as pioneers in the video game industry.

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The CEO of Larian Studios, creators of Baldur's Gate 3, promises you that you shouldn't care that they are using AI

Swen Vincke, head of Larian Studios, has shared his perspective on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in video game development, noting that his company uses it to facilitate certain processes, but not to replace human talent in content creation. In a recent talk with Bloomberg, Vincke explained that generative AI is used to explore ideas, develop presentations, and draft placeholder texts, stating that “everyone is a human actor” in the creative process. They are using AI, but little, really Despite his defense of the use of AI, the statements […]

Swen Vincke, head of Larian Studios, has shared his perspective on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in video game development, noting that his company uses it to facilitate certain processes, but not to replace human talent in content creation. In a recent talk with Bloomberg, Vincke explained that generative AI is used to explore ideas, develop presentations, and draft placeholder texts, stating that “everyone is a human actor” in the creative process.

They are using AI, but very little, really

Despite his defense of the use of AI, Vincke’s statements have received negative responses from some employees, such as artist Selena Tobin, who has expressed her discontent on social media. Tobin, credited as a junior environmental artist on Baldur’s Gate 3, expressed her disappointment by commenting that she enjoyed working at Larian “until AI came along,” urging the company’s management to “show respect to their employees,” who, according to her, do not need the help of AI to generate innovative ideas.

Vincke has defended the use of AI as a tool that accelerates workflows and improves productivity, but he has insisted that the art and voices in his games, including future releases, are products of human work. In response to the criticism, the founder of Larian Studios intends to clarify his position in an upcoming interview with Gamespot, where the implementations of AI in the company for 2025 will be detailed.

With the growing use of AI in the video game industry, the debate about its role in the creative process intensifies, generating different opinions on the balance between technology and human talent in the creation of artistic and entertainment works.

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The person in charge of Fallout is clear: if you like the series, you should get into Fallout 76

The Burning Springs update for Fallout 76 has been recently released, and Bethesda Game Studios hopes that this expansion will attract fans who follow the series through Amazon’s television adaptation. Todd Howard, the studio’s executive producer, emphasized that Fallout 76 is the project they are focusing on most intensely at this moment, despite his previous comments indicating that Elder Scrolls 6 might be taking up more development resources. Burning Springs is made for you In a talk during the Future Games Show, Howard mentioned: “Fallout 76 is the game that we are […]

The Burning Springs update for Fallout 76 has been recently released, and Bethesda Game Studios hopes that this expansion will attract fans who are following the series through Amazon’s television adaptation. Todd Howard, the studio’s executive producer, emphasized that Fallout 76 is the project they are currently focusing on most intensely, despite his previous comments indicating that Elder Scrolls 6 might be taking up more development resources.

Burning Springs is made for you

In a talk during the Future Games Show, Howard mentioned: “Fallout 76 is the game we are working on the most. The new update is available, and if you’re watching the show and thinking ‘I want to experience that’, 76 is just incredible.” This statement highlights Bethesda’s ongoing commitment to the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout as they seek to capture the attention of new players drawn in by the television series.

Additionally, Walton Goggins’ return to his iconic role as Ghoul in Fallout 76 represents a significant milestone for the franchise’s followers. Howard described this return as a “full circle” moment, where players can experience narrative experiences inspired by the television series. This interaction between different media, games, and series aims to provide a more cohesive and immersive experience for fans.

However, the conversation has also delved into the realm of RPGs and their divisiveness. Howard and other developers, such as those from Obsidian, have reflected on the comparisons their titles face, such as Avowed and Baldur’s Gate 3, highlighting the uniqueness of their narrative approaches and gameplay mechanics. As we enter the holiday season, Howard suggests that Fallout 76 is the ideal choice for those seeking an immersive RPG experience amidst the festive bustle.

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A fan has calculated how long all the dialogues in Baldur's Gate 3 last, and the figure is staggering

Baldur’s Gate 3 continues to make an impact on the video game landscape, even as we close out 2025. This acclaimed fantasy RPG has surprised players and critics with the depth of its story, the richness of its characters, and the complexity of its combat mechanics. Recently, the game has been in the spotlight due to an impressive finding related to the total duration of its dialogues, revealed by a user on Reddit. Almost ten days non-stop Everwhite-moonlight conducted a thorough analysis of the game’s sound files, discovering that Baldur’s Gate 3 has 173,642 […]

Baldur’s Gate 3 continues to make an impact on the video game landscape, even as we close out 2025.This acclaimed fantasy RPG has surprised players and critics alike with the depth of its story, the richness of its characters, and the complexity of its combat mechanics. Recently, the game has been in the spotlight due to an impressive finding related to the total duration of its dialogues, revealed by a user on Reddit.

Almost ten days non-stop

Everwhite-moonlight conducted a thorough analysis of the game’s sound files, discovering that Baldur’s Gate 3 has 173,642 voice files, with a combined time of 236 hours, 55 minutes, and 45 seconds. This astonishing figure amounts to 9 days and 20 hours of dialogue, spread across 2,068 characters in the title. The most representative voice is that of Amelia Tyler, who narrates the story and contributes over 14 hours of dialogue to the experience, followed by Neil Newbon, who brings the character Astarion to life with 13 hours of recordings.

What is surprising is that the team at Larian Studios, the game’s developer, was not aware of this monumental figure. Swen Vincke, the studio’s director, commented that they did not keep track of the recording time, a decision he considers positive. This highlights the studio’s commitment to creating a detailed and convincing fantasy world, without being overly concerned about the hour count.

This discovery not only highlights Larian Studios’ dedication to the development of Baldur’s Gate 3, but also invites speculation about the total duration of all recordings, including unused takes. Undoubtedly, the success of this title is backed by the investment of resources in creating a rich and vibrant universe that has captured the imagination of players.

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The motion capture director of Baldur's Gate 3 is clear: there should be specific awards for mocap actors

Expedition 33 has made history by becoming the most nominated game in the history of The Game Awards, with notable recognitions for its cast, which includes Ben Starr, Charlie Cox, and Jennifer English. However, the success has sparked a debate about the need to expand the acting categories in these awards, especially for motion capture (mocap) actors, who often remain in the shadows. Aliona Baranova, motion capture director of Baldur’s Gate 3, has called for the creation of a specific category for these artists, emphasizing that their work is crucial in the […]

Expedition 33 has made history by becoming the most nominated game in the history of The Game Awards, with notable recognition for its cast, which includes Ben Starr, Charlie Cox, and Jennifer English. However, the success has sparked a debate about the need to expand the acting categories in these awards, especially for motion capture (mocap) actors, who often remain in the shadows. Aliona Baranova, motion capture director of Baldur’s Gate 3, has called for the creation of a specific category for these artists, emphasizing that their work is crucial in the modern development of video games.

Some workers in the shadows in the video game

In an interview with Video Games Chronicle, Baranova pointed out that many actors who perform motion capture are later overshadowed by the voices assigned to them in post-production. “For decades, these actors have worked hard, but often disappear in the process,” Baranova commented. Her proposal aims not only to honor these artists but also to educate the public about the complexity of the work they do. “The audience doesn’t know enough about this because there isn’t enough attention,” she added.

Charlie Cox supported these initiatives, s suggesting that while he feels excited about his nomination, the recognition should also apply to his mocap colleague, Maxence Carzole. Actress Devora Wilde also expressed her surprise at the lack of a category dedicated to motion capture and recalled that this omission has been a constant in the history of The Game Awards.

The Game Awards will be broadcast live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on December 11. In addition, fans have the opportunity to participate in the voting for the awards, allowing their voices to be heard in a celebration that recognizes achievements in the video game industry.

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The studio behind The Witcher IV hires one of the best artists in the world of video games

CD Projekt RED is on the path to developing one of the most anticipated titles in the industry: The Witcher IV. This new installment will revolve around Ciri’s journey, a central character in the saga who has captured the imagination of players. The anticipation for this game has been high, reaching the top spots in the Golden Joystick Awards, and although its release date has not yet been revealed, there is a lot of hype in the world of video games. Ready for the new trilogy. In a strategic move, CD Projekt RED has brought on Felix Pedulla, a former artist […]

CD Projekt RED is on the path to developing one of the most anticipated titles in the industry: The Witcher IV. This new installment will revolve around the journey of Ciri, a central character in the saga who has captured the imagination of players. The anticipation for this game has been high, reaching the top spots in the Golden Joystick Awards, and although its release date has not yet been revealed, there is a lot of hype in the world of video games.

Ready for the new trilogy

In a strategic move, CD Projekt RED has brought on Felix Pedulla, a former cinematic artist from Larian Studios, known for his work on Baldur’s Gate 3, as a senior cinematic designer. Pedulla expressed his excitement about joining CD Projekt RED, calling this opportunity a dream come true. While his LinkedIn post did not specifically mention The Witcher IV, one of the hashtags he used suggests that his skills will be directed towards this project. This is well received, as many players appreciated the cinematics of Baldur’s Gate 3, which were crucial to the title’s success.

In addition, CD Projekt RED has revealed its ambitious roadmap, which includes a new trilogy of The Witcher scheduled to be released over a span of six years. This would mean that The Witcher V could appear three years after the release of the fourth installment. To streamline the development process, the studio plans to use Unreal Engine 5, which would allow them to optimize their workflows. However, the AAA video game industry typically demands years of meticulous work, raising doubts about whether they will be able to meet these aggressive deadlines.

Rumors suggest that, although CD Projekt RED has big plans, the reality of development could lead to potential delays in the new trilogy, which increases fans’ attention towards any future announcements from the studio.

Baldur's Gate 3 has been one of the 20 most played games on Steam for over two years, the reason? Mods

Baldur’s Gate 3 has remained one of the 20 most played games on Steam for over two years, a remarkable achievement for a single-player RPG. Despite many major publishers doubting the commercial viability of such games, the community has proven otherwise, maintaining interest and active participation in every corner of the game. The developers acknowledge those who have made it possible. A key factor for this longevity is the vibrant modding community that has flourished around Baldur’s Gate 3. According to the latest statement from […]

Baldur’s Gate 3 has remained one of the 20 most played games on Steam for over two years, a remarkable achievement for a single-player RPG. Despite many major publishers doubting the commercial viability of such games, the community has proven otherwise, maintaining interest and active participation in every corner of the game.

Developers recognize those who have made it possible

A key factor for this longevity is the vibrant modding community that has flourished around Baldur’s Gate 3. According to the latest statement from the Larian studio, more than 350 million mods have been downloaded and over 10,000 creations have been uploaded to the system. Swen Vincke, CEO of Larian, celebrated this achievement on Twitter, indicating that the numbers are “crazier” than they ever expected. In a brief video, Vincke urged creators to celebrate their incredible work, highlighting the overflowing creativity that has emerged around the game.

Among the most popular mods mentioned are Withers Big Naturals and Bunnies Gate 3, which add fun and unique content that diversifies the gaming experience. These mods have allowed players to take different approaches, from gigantic rabbits to adorable swimming accessories, further enriching the adventure of Baldur’s Gate 3.

In a recent comment, the actress who plays Karlach noted that video game developers often underestimate cast members, viewing them “as resources” rather than valuable collaborators in creating immersive experiences. This type of disconnection between creators and actors could be limiting the integration of talent in the development processes, a point that could be relevant for the future evolution of the industry.

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The voice actress of Karlach from Baldur's Gate 3 lashes out at the video game industry: "developers often don't see us as part of the team"

Samantha Béart, known for her role as Karlach in Baldur’s Gate 3, has expressed her concern about how video game actors are often underestimated by developers, even though fans consider them essential to the gaming experience. During her speech at the 2025 Golden Joystick Awards, Béart highlighted an evident disconnect between the perception that developers have of the role of actors and how players value them, similar to the dynamics in the film and television industry. She believes that the industry still does not respect their work “There is a […]

Samantha Béart, known for her role as Karlach in Baldur’s Gate 3, has expressed her concern about how video game actors are often underestimated by developers, even though fans consider them essential to the gaming experience. During her speech at the 2025 Golden Joystick Awards, Béart highlighted an evident disconnect between the perception that developers have about the role of actors and how players value them, similar to the dynamics in the film and television industry.

He believes that the industry still does not respect their work

“There is a strange disconnection,” commented Béart. “Developers often do not see us as part of the team, while players consider us almost on the front line.” This sentiment resonates in a context where narrative-driven games, such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, have begun to elevate the profile of actors in the industry, establishing fan loyalty not only towards the characters but also towards those who portray them.

The actress emphasized that video game actors must be proactive to increase their visibility, using social media and algorithms to their advantage, as, according to her, studios do not always promote their recognition. “I feel that we must ‘arm ourselves’ with social media to do it,” Béart stated.

In a similar sense, Charlie Cox, actor in Expedition 33, emphasized the importance of motion capture actor, Maxence Cazorla, for the main character, Gustave. This type of recognition helps highlight the specific challenges associated with performances in video games. Roger Clark, voice of Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2, also supported this idea by pointing out that “a community is needed” to create a hero in a game.

Finally, Béart addressed the confusion surrounding her character Karlach, often perceived as “sweet” and “cheerful.” “She has a dark background; she is not just a colorful piece,” she concluded. This nuance reflects the complexity and depth that actors bring to video games, elements that deserve to be recognized and valued fairly in the industry.

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One of the most well-known video game actresses in the industry has advice about AI: "Don't do it"

Currently, artificial intelligence (AI) is at the center of the debate about the future of the video game industry. From Ubisoft, which argues that AI represents a revolution comparable to the shift to 3D graphics, to EA, which plans to leverage AI to manage its hefty $20 billion debt, the enthusiasm for this technology is palpable among industry executives. For his part, Microsoft’s head of AI seems to not understand the resistance that some have towards this growing trend. Remove AI once and for all, man

Currently, artificial intelligence (AI) is at the center of the debate about the future of the video game industry. From Ubisoft, which argues that AI represents a revolution comparable to the shift to 3D graphics, to EA, which plans to leverage AI to manage its hefty $20 billion debt, the enthusiasm for this technology is palpable among industry executives. For his part, Microsoft’s head of AI seems to not understand the resistance that some have towards this growing trend.

Get rid of AI once and for all, man

However, not everyone shares this optimistic view. Voice actress Jennifer English, known for her work in titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, has expressed her reservations about the application of AI in the creation of video game content. In an interview with GamesRadar during the Golden Joystick Awards, she made a simple yet powerful appeal: “Don’t do it.” English acknowledges that AI can be useful as a tool, as long as it does not replace human creativity. “Mistakes are beautiful. Imperfections are wonderful. Keep them. Keep it human,” she emphasized.

Their comments resonate with those of other voice actors from Baldur’s Gate 3, who had already raised their voices last year against the unauthorized use of their voices by AI. Amelia Tyler, the game’s narrator, spoke about how this not only steals jobs but also identities. In this context, executives like Tim Sweeney from Epic Games have envisioned a future where AI can provide infinite and personalized dialogues, but concerns about the ethical use of this technology persist among artists.

In a landscape where the voices of the actors seem to be at risk due to these practices, English urges video game companies to utilize their “beautiful and creative human brains.” Meanwhile, the industry continues to navigate the delicate balance between technological innovation and the preservation of the human essence in creativity.

Voice actress Jennifer English, known for her work in Baldur's Gate 3 and Expedition 33, says her best work is in an MMO that has not been released yet

Voice actress Jennifer English, known for her work in several critically acclaimed games, has been confirmed as the voice of Alora, the Empress of Eldveil, in the upcoming MMO Soulframe from Digital Extremes. English has made a name for herself in the video game industry thanks to her involvement in titles like Elden Ring, Baldur’s Gate 3, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and her contribution has been considered a talisman for award-winning games. An MMO of which we still do not know many details. In a recent conversation with GamesRadar+ during the 2025 Golden Joystick Awards, English expressed her enthusiasm for […]

Voice actress Jennifer English, known for her work in several critically acclaimed games, has been confirmed as the voice of Alora, the Empress of Eldveil, in the upcoming MMO Soulframe from Digital Extremes. English has made a name for herself in the video game industry thanks to her involvement in titles such as Elden Ring, Baldur’s Gate 3, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and her contribution has been regarded as a talisman for award-winning games.

A MMO that we still don’t know many details about

In a recent conversation with GamesRadar+ during the 2025 Golden Joystick Awards, English expressed his enthusiasm for the role of Alora, referring to it as his “dream part.” The character he plays is a fairy empress whose morals are aligned with nature. Additionally, English has mentioned that he will use a Welsh accent to bring this new character to life, a detail that adds depth to his performance.

Although details about the specific features of Alora have not yet been revealed, the team behind Soulframe has shared concept art of the character, which has been described as an original and striking design. The integration of insects into her design suggests a unique aesthetic that is sure to resonate with players.

Jennifer English has gained recognition for her acting ability, which has led her to be part of games that have received multiple awards. Her ability to embody significant characters in the narrative of video games has cemented her reputation within the industry. With Soulframe, her performance is expected to once again contribute to the success of the game, which promises to be a new benchmark in the fantasy RPG genre.

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