It sounds like this creation tool is going to be loaded
Baldur’s Gate 3 looks to include one of the better character creation systems featured in a game in quite some time.
In a recent upgrade from the Baldur’s Gate 3 community update, the team provided a look at the character creation system and a detailed explanation of what we can expect from it. Aside from being able to choose from several races, classes, and more, I’m more excited about the appearance choices that are going to be present.
Baldur's Gate 3's Character Creation system features 3D scans of real people, adapted for tonnes of variety across the 16 photo-realistic race & subraces in Early Access. More details in today's community update! https://t.co/SzM2z0OylK
— Larian Studios (@larianstudios) October 2, 2020
According to Larian Studios, the team is making this perhaps the biggest and boldest creation tool creating 3D scans of actors and models. This will enable the game to include a huge assortment of choices when it comes to creating your character – including 150 different heads to select.
We decided to use scanned faces in our production to create characters that were as realistic as possible. We scanned 40 people of different ages and ethnicity. While scouting for models we focused on features that would fit our fantasy races and we looked for faces that either had something unique about them or were very versatile to fit different characters.
Eventually, we transformed the scanned heads into approximately 150 unique heads of various races that you can see in-game now, and that number will keep growing. Some of the scanned heads kept their features, but others became a starting point for creating new faces. We also used scanned data as a learning resource because there is no better sculptor than nature.”
And while the update has me excited, there are still some things I’m curious about. Such as will the game include sliders so we can adjust various features, such facial structures, such as the jaw, nose, eye size, and jawline. From the screenshots I was sent, there’s a ton of customization to be had outside of that. From being able to change hair color, tattoo styles, Skin color, eye color, voice, hairstyles, and faces.
Check out the screenshots below.
As a person of color, I’ve always had issues with games that featured character creation tools but never quite nailed down the experience. That said, there have been several games released over the past few years that have done a better job allowing me to create a character that was similar to myself. This tool has me excited, perhaps a bit too much.
Baldur’s Gate 3 heads to early access on October 6th, 2020, for PC via Steam and GOG, and Stadia. Needless to state, I’m looking forward to the release.
Source: Baldur’s Gate 3 community update
