Baldur's Gate 3 developers use award show win to address state of the industry

eurogamer.net:

Baldur's Gate 3 won Game of the Year at the DICE Awards last week, and unlike at The Game Awards, the developers were actually allowed to take some time with their acceptance speech. And let it be known, Larian used that time wisely, addressing both the current state of the industry and the importance of player experience.

When Larian's director of publishing Michael Douse took to the stage, he acknowledged that while this is a «really human industry» it can also be very «bad sometimes at showing developers what they're worth». He then discussed the wave of layoffs that have affected so many people and game development studios over the past year.

«I want you all to know that you are talented and that you matter, and that you are the future of this industry. Don't let that flame be extinguished by our collective mistakes,» Douse said. «I know everyone here is scared because shit's really fucked up.»

«All of your projections are wrong and it's scary,» Douse continued. «But we persevere as an industry, we will persevere as an industry, and you will all find your place and you will all be welcomed back with open arms. And we'll still be making games for the players, and for you, and with these guys.»

Following his colleague's words, Larian's head of production David Walgrave took the mic, stating others probably want to know what the «secret» to the studio's success is.

«Last year, I started thinking the secret to our success comes from [basing decisions around asking] 'what does the player want?'. What do I think is best for the game? What is the most fun, the most crazy?» Walgrave continued by saying that hearing someone say something can't be done always gave the Baldur's Gate 3 team a «kick up the arse to actually make it happen». The developer also stated Larian only ever asks one price for the