Larian Studios Forums Baldur's Gate III Baldur's Gate III - General 2 year EA ANNIVERSARY event? (OCTOBER 6)

If I had to place a bet on it, I'd expect not to see an updated reaction system, but it isn't impossible (I'd go with something like 70% no, 30% yes in terms of probability).

I would argue that from a technical perspective, adding in an alternative reaction is 100% doable even at this stage of development (obviously not preferred from a production standpoint). It's not a very intrusive change compared to other systematic changes that affects content and narrative. The butterfly effect of a reaction system update is mostly limited to mechanics (and maybe encounter design).

The reason for this is the DNA and bones of the 5E reaction system IS in the game, the problem people have right now is with its current expression/control. I.e. the current BG3 reaction system is the 5E one, but with the logic of "always apply to first applicable condition" enforced, with no room for user input. Changing it to say the Solasta prompt version would require a logic shift (instead of always yes, prompt user), and a user UI (for pop-up).

This is kind of the same reason why modders managed to make a Turnbase Mod for Pathfinder Kingmaker (before it was officially implemented) - because the backbones of the PnP turnbase system was already in the game (rounds, action, initiative, swift actions, etc). They obviously had to do a lot of work to add proper limitations and provide a proper UI, but it's infinitely more doable than making a new system from scratch.

On the other hand, something like a proper Day/Night cycle implementation (i.e. with proper NPC schedules, etc) is a HUGE change vs. reactions because it affects tons of content - almost every level/map in the game, NPC logic/movements and also potentially dialogue design.


Now, with all that said, I 100% agree that Larian's already basically heard most of the feedback from the 1st months of Early Access. Their reason for not making reactions more manual was most likely due to their design vision of the game. I think this Eurogamer article is very informative in regards to what Larian is going for: https://www.eurogamer.net/how-larian-and-slitherine-adapted-dungeons-dragons-and-warhammer

But to be fair, I would argue that the recent discourse from fans on the Bard reaction system might help push the needle on making them reconsider (though not likely, because the current subset of EA testers is pretty niche). We'll have to see. For the record, Larian has talked about updates to the reaction system at least twice, but not in any concrete way (with words like explore, extend, etc).

There was Nicou's post here on the forums, but also this answer from Swen from Panel from Hell 5.