I think not only COVID19 outbreak, but the raging debate about Turn based mode vs RTwP mode is also detrimental to game development. It's putting unnecessary pressure over Latian. I personally think the game is the brain child of Latian and they do understand Turn based better. So we should leave the matter over them to decide. Game development is an art, and the artist should have some say over his creation.
LaRian.
I doubt it's putting any pressure, and I am willing to make a bet that they knew such complaints were coming. If they paid any attention to recent revival of Infinity Engine games or had contact with its developers they surely knew there will be vocal group of BG fans who will resist any changes to the formula, especially a drastic one like changing combat system.
Of course, they make the game, and they design it, and they decide what to do. No amount of predictable complaints will change that.
Well, not to get into argument what is art and what is not, but games are an entertainment. Art (meaning fine art) doesn't usually do sequels for one. Entertainment's job is to please. Problem with fan feedback is, that we lack imagiation, and tend to ask for what we know we like, hoping we will like it just the same as we did the first time. A lot of worry with BG3 is while it sure aims to please, it might please D:OS fans more then BG fans. It's expected - Larian made D:OSs after all, not BG. But they are using IP, inviting criticism of that kind. That kind of criticism will most likely only escalate once the EA is out.
