Ah, yes. It's Larian's turn on the chopping block.
I don't have any special feelings of loyalty towards Larian Studios. They probably do some things very well and some things less well. They managed to make a good game through it all – despite any flaws it has – without some disproportionate amount of misery as a crucial ingredient, that I am aware of.
Do I think they should be using generative AI for prototyping and "exploring ideas"? No. Absolutely not. To give time to imagine, to fantasize, to go "what if we could do this..." and think on paper, through drawings and writing and human consideration, is a fundamental part of the creative process. To shorten, streamline and optimize this part with "AI" is to get one step closer to merely and cynically creating a product, rather than art.
They're not the only ones doing it – they're the ones with poor timing. But that's still not an endorsement, because unless those really rich companies fail to build those promised "AI" servers, Larian and others won't keep the "AI" use contained to this part of game development. The initial failure to refrain from using it confirms it.
Rigorous job application processes, which I see being mentioned too... is a bit ehh. It's not a moral failure to insist on a certain standard of quality, and sometimes the way to increase the odds it happens isn't pleasant. Not trying to discredit anyone, but it seems like one more thing to toss into the criticism pile, as it's currently a good look to do it and the previous frustration about it wasn't resolved, and is now trying to find an outlet, or vindication.
The outrage cycle dynamic is maintained, and continues to spin.
First, the disproportionate praise and love for making Baldur'a Gate 3. Identifying with their game and what it made one feel. Simultaneously, the irritation of others who liked it a regular amount, or who didn't care for it, or simply didn't play and don't understand why it is so much of a Best Thing Ever that people need to be that obnoxious about it.
Then, the shattering of the bubble and standard that could not be met. Everyone is here – the lovers, the haters, the (former) employees(?). Yes, even those that like Larian. Because after all, one can't be disappointed over something one doesn't care about. People who worked or applied to work at Larian, regardless of Larian's difficult application process, wanted to be there in some capacity. Those that never cared can be very self-satisfied now while saying "see? I knew this was garbage from the start and I was better than you all along". It's all very... no, and I find people's motivation suspicious and ill-timed, if resolving the issues / improvement is the goal.
Personally, participation feels like a trick. And the barrage of criticism drains my enthusiasm entirely, similarly as disproportionate praise once did (people, it's just a well-made game, it was never going to save anything). Because the outrage cycle guarantees that regardless of what is happening, it will always be contentious. And everyone and everything will always be a problem, unless one is invisible in the crowd, until the barrage ends and everyone collectively "forgets" there was ever a mob to be a part of.
I can't wait for the future "think pieces" about how Larian actually didn't warrant this and people went a little too far (again). Or how it warranted criticism, but the real problem is something else, and this was a red herring. Or maybe it was a canary and the worst is yet to come. Or how it won't matter at all, because the same people participating in the current tomato throwing won't be able to resist the hype of a new Larian game once it comes out. Or whatever may happen, but none of it born out of any sort of constructive discussion or consideration. Or whatever the fuck.
I'm tired, and this is boring.
