"Baldur's Gate 3": Larian releases modding tools with restrictions in September
The promised modding tools for "Baldur's Gate 3" are coming in September. However, a mod revolution is not to be expected – the tools are quite limited.
(Image: Larian Studios)
The Belgian Larian Studios are starting to test modding tools for "Baldur's Gate 3". From June 3, selected modders will be able to use the tools promised weeks ago to develop their own content for the role-playing game or revise existing systems, Larian announced.
In the course of the tests, more and more mod authors will be given access to the tools. A closed beta with around 1000 players will then begin in July, for which anyone can register. The selected fans will then not only be able to test the 7th patch for "Baldur's Gate 3" in advance, but also try out the first mods developed with the tools. Finally, patch 7 and the modding tools will be fully released in September.
Modding tools with restrictions
In principle, there are already PC mods for "Baldur's Gate 3", but these have been developed without official support. Larian promises to simplify modding with its own pipeline. In the modding tools, you can access the editor and publish created content directly - exclusively on the Mod.io platform. Larian, which like Mod.io is partly owned by the Chinese Tencent Group. The company has thus decided against the Steam Workshop and the best-known modding site NexusMods.
Many modders are likely to be disillusioned by the announcement: Even with the modding tools, it will not be possible to customize story elements, quests, dialogues and gameplay, Larian writes in an FAQ. Mods that rely on scripts and include adult elements are also not permitted by Larian's curated modding pipeline. Modders who wish to develop such content must therefore continue to do so in other ways and publish their mods on NexusMods. More complex and extensive mods than before are not to be expected, as existing modding restrictions will not be lifted by the official tools. On the contrary: due to content restrictions, modders sometimes even have more freedom if they do not use the tools.
The modding tools are therefore unlikely to change much for PC gamers. The situation is different for console gamers: the mods curated by Larian can also be published for Xbox and Playstation via Mod.io. Although the mods will only be available on PC via Mod.io at launch, they will also be available on consoles "shortly afterwards". Until now, it has not been possible to install mods for "Baldur's Gate 3" on consoles.
In March, the Belgian Larian Studios announced that they would no longer be developing additional content for their successful role-playing game "Baldur's Gate 3". Planned DLCs have been scrapped, and the role-playing experts also have no plans to develop a "Baldur's Gate 4". Instead, Larian now wants to devote itself to its own game brand.
(dahe)
