At a recent UK conference, former Larian Studios writer Baudelaire Welch discussed the surprising genesis of Baldur's Gate 3's (BG3) infamous bear romance scene, highlighting its impact on the gaming industry. Welch lauded the scene as a "watershed moment," praising Larian Studios for uniquely responding to and validating the desires of the game's fanfiction community.
BG3's "Daddy Halsin" Phenomenon
The scene features a romance option with Halsin, a druid capable of shifting into a bear. While initially intended for combat, Halsin's bear form became a pivotal romantic element, reflecting his emotional struggles. Welch revealed this wasn't the original plan, but rather a direct result of fan fiction depicting "daddy Halsin," a desire clearly expressed within the BG3 fanfiction community. He emphasized that Halsin wasn't initially conceived as a romantic interest.
Welch's presentation underscored the importance of fanfiction in fostering game communities. He noted the longevity of romance-focused fan works, stating that "People will write about a good romance in fanfiction for years to come." This continued engagement, he argued, is particularly vital for women and LGBTQIA+ players, who have been hugely influential in BG3's ongoing popularity. The bear romance scene, Welch concluded, signifies a turning point where the fanfiction community is not just a subculture, but a primary audience whose preferences are directly incorporated into game development.
From Gag to Game-Changing Romance
The bear transformation initially began as a lighthearted, off-screen joke. However, Larian Studios founder Swen Vincke and senior writer John Corcoran saw potential and integrated it into Halsin's romance arc. Welch shared that the bear element "was originally meant to be a gag," but Vincke and Corcoran decided to expand upon and centralize this idea during the development of Halsin's major romance scenes. This evolution transformed a throwaway idea into a defining feature of the game.
