Larian's Official Reply to "Cut Content"

[Maverick56]

So there have been a load of topics and discussion about Larian's Community Update #24. Which I'll be referencing a lot here, so it's probably good you skim it.


So I'm pretty much going to skip over the "Bugs" section of this, while they do reference some issues where content doesn't trigger because of a bug (They use Minthara as an example) there is a reason for it. They call it a "Bug" for simplicity, but the reason that trigger wasn't and isn't working properly to begin with is because the area and quest that was originally meant to trigger it was..."trimmed" (Because Larian doesn't like the word cut).

This obviously caused the content to not trigger properly, and thus, here we are.

Granted, the above is much more speculative and based on context clue's from data-mined information.

Moving on to the biggest thing Larian really addressed.
The Epilogue/Upper City/Ending/etc...etc...

Larian attempts to say that it isn't "Cut Content" but then immediately says:

"One of the reasons why we trimmed the epilogue is because we were afraid the ending cinematics were becoming too long and would detract from the epicness of the experience."

I mean okay, you didn't think it worked properly, but that is still...cut content. It doesn't just stop being cut because you will it to not be so. (Or call it "trimmed" like that is better?).

Also the idea that they made a 120+ hour game and thought that a few minutes of cinematics to end it off was "too long" is about the silliest excuse I've ever heard someone attempt to say with a straight face.

"We’ve started expanding the epilogues and you’ll see the first results of that in Patch 2 with the addition of a new optional ending with Karlach. It’s fiery, poignant, and gives her the ending she deserves."

Don't even get me started on this "fiery, poignant, ending that she deserves" it is still literally labeled as "Karlach.Bad2" in the files...

"The third is about the things we actually didn’t plan for, and those we once considered but ultimately didn’t do."

They attempt to explain this away as "Oh that was early stage ideas that got cut early on." kinda thing, which yeah I totally understand, games evolve in planning, things change...

But you either planned to have the Tadpoles be meaningful early on, cut the idea...and left it in the game, on purpose...for some reason? Or you cut it late in the game, and this is a lie...or PR speak.


"It was always our intention for the Upper City to be an epic, cinematic epilogue bringing the story of Baldur’s Gate 3 to a close. But we didn’t talk about that in advance because it would have been a major spoiler."

Well see as you say that people will be able to see the "Upper City" but then make the Upper city only the epilogue, which you... "trimmed" then the players...don't get an Upper City. Thats not really rocket science here.

As for "Not talking about it because it's a major spoiler"... No?

"You will get a chance to witness the epicness of the Upper City, depending on your branching choices at the end of the game." Is all you needed to say.

Then again, that would mean that the game needed branching choices...which, it doesn't.


My point for all this is that I genuinely hope that BG3 gets all the updates and love it deserves, because right now it feels unfinished.

To be clear, I love the game. I think it's a solid 8.3 but is being robbed of a 9+/10 because of this "Trimmed" content non-sense.


ENDING SPOILER WARNING


You get 3 endings.

Good - Destroy the Brain
Bad - Control the Brain (For Bhaal or for Yourself)
Gale - Have him explode, and get half of the good ending.


The rest of your choices, simply change the flavor of those endings...like:

Who is the mindflayer in the final battle?
PC
Emperor
Orhpeus
Companion

The choice doesn't really matter.

Ironhand Gnomes, or the Gondians?

Pointless.

[Maverick56]

INB4: "There is no proof of cut content, that is just a false narrative, game is 11/10 perfect."

[WeirdWizardDave]

As the OP is making exactly the same claim again without providing the evidence to back it up I'll just copy paste my reply.

From the mega thread claiming cut content, these are the links to what passes as evidence for the claim. The closest it comes is a list of "datamined" files labeled ENDGAME here https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1toM2E_7-cpiCvpvXQMjKt_Brh2ChhL2o You can clearly see the files are named various things relating to the end game battle which takes place in the Upper City. But that is the upper city that is included in the game already. There is exactly no evidence that I can see anywhere of a cut none battlezone version of the upper city. If I'm wrong by all means link the actual evidence not the entire post.

The only other relevant links are once again to the community update that included the line " the opulent estates of the Upper City" which everyone agrees they said but disagrees is compelling evidence for a cut upper city.

Finally there is a link to an old PC gamer article which explicitly mentions the upper city as a third region. But this is clearly not Larian but a gaming journalist who is reporting on the video that Larian produced. Its not even clear if the journalist had any direct contact with Larian. So once again, not compelling evidence https://www.pcgamer.com/baldurs-gate-3-dev-diary-city-reveal-pcgs-2023/ (Edit) In fact the video being reported on seems to be the one previously covered which only shows the lower city, include a dev explicitly referencing the lower city and otherwise only includes references to "the city" which seems to just be shorthand for the combined lower city from what was at one point separate districts.

Those files are where there would be a smoking gun if one existed. Its not there, there is no compelling evidence for the claim. I'm sorry, but there just isn't. Unless, as I've said many times you can produce something which demonstrates otherwise.

[Maverick56]

Originally posted by WeirdWizardDave:

There is an upper city, its where the finale happens.

Not going another pointless 12 rounds with you, find another discussion thread to troll.

[WeirdWizardDave]

Originally posted by Maverick56:

INB4: "There is no proof of cut content, that is just a false narrative, game is 11/10 perfect."

Congratulations you did get in before it. And yet... I mean... Where is the proof? Claims require evidence and that is decidedly lacking as I have now pointed out numerous times and at great length in multiple threads.

[Maverick56]

Originally posted by WeirdWizardDave:

Originally posted by Maverick56:

INB4: "There is no proof of cut content, that is just a false narrative, game is 11/10 perfect."

Congratulations you did get in before it. And yet... I mean... Where is the proof? Claims require evidence and that is decidedly lacking as I have now pointed out numerous times and at great length in multiple threads.

No, you have totally ignored evidence of everything presented to you on multiple threads. It's very clear you have an opinion.

It's a ridiculous one on par with ones like.."The earth is flat, and the sun isn't bright" but you do you. Just do it in someone else's thread.

[shogunsmurf]

Originally posted by WeirdWizardDave:

Originally posted by Maverick56:

INB4: "There is no proof of cut content, that is just a false narrative, game is 11/10 perfect."

Congratulations you did get in before it. And yet... I mean... Where is the proof? Claims require evidence and that is decidedly lacking as I have now pointed out numerous times and at great length in multiple threads.

https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1086940/view/3649651368763455642
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=t0uYhTLPGLQ&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fscreenrant.com%2F&source_ve_path=MzY4NDIsMjM4NTE&feature=emb_title

I take it Larians own words and promotion material is enough evidence ?

[Verde]

Originally posted by shogunsmurf:

I take it Larians own words and promotion material is enough evidence ?

That's the funny part, because ironically it's not when it goes against these people's presuppositions xD

[Puffin]

You don't need to be genius to realize they will never accept it as "cut content". Minthara's example is perfect one. Swen said it is just simple bug, somehow they were still unable to fix this "simple bug" in Patch 2.
It is obvious for most players there are cut content. Cut content means basically that when you play a game, you will have the feeling something is missing here. (I had to explain it, because some fanatic fans defend Larian against any criticismm, saying every game has cut content.)

We know they released the game earlier than expected, they made a decision mid-development that they will rather release it before Starfield, so they had to block some stories and areas, which were not 100% ready yet.

I am sure they started to run out of money, they had to release it, and now from the big sale, they will slowly "patch" it back to the full game. (aka finishing the rest of the game)

[WeirdWizardDave]

Originally posted by Maverick56:

Originally posted by WeirdWizardDave:

There is an upper city, its where the finale happens.

Not going another pointless 12 rounds with you, find another discussion thread to troll.

Dude you've never even gone one round with me. You just accuse me of trolling and completely refuse to engage with any and all debate. Check out my first post in this thread I've edited it to explicitly list all the links claiming to be proof and addressed each in detail. Something I have done repeatedly for you yet you haven't once addressed any of those points, or presented any additional evidence.

EDIT -

Originally posted by shogunsmurf:

https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1086940/view/3649651368763455642
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=t0uYhTLPGLQ&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fscreenrant.com%2F&source_ve_path=MzY4NDIsMjM4NTE&feature=emb_title

I take it Larians own words and promotion material is enough evidence ?

I'm happy to discuss this with you in more detail I do address these in my first post in this thread though. Alone this is not sufficient evidence for the claim as the video only shows the lower city and the community update boils down to a single sentence.

[Edstyles]

There is def cut content. No doubt about it. My main question is why.

Didnt they have enough time?
Was it due to bugs.
Was it cause if lack of technology as they say .
Was it to deliver the content later and call it defenitive edition ? We can speculate. All i care about is we get the cut content that was suposed to make it on release and there is a decent amount missing right now.

[月が綺麗ですね]

Originally posted by Maverick56:

So there have been a load of topics and discussion about Larian's Community Update #24. Which I'll be referencing a lot here, so it's probably good you skim it.


So I'm pretty much going to skip over the "Bugs" section of this, while they do reference some issues where content doesn't trigger because of a bug (They use Minthara as an example) there is a reason for it. They call it a "Bug" for simplicity, but the reason that trigger wasn't and isn't working properly to begin with is because the area and quest that was originally meant to trigger it was..."trimmed" (Because Larian doesn't like the word cut).

This obviously caused the content to not trigger properly, and thus, here we are.

Granted, the above is much more speculative and based on context clue's from data-mined information.

Moving on to the biggest thing Larian really addressed.
The Epilogue/Upper City/Ending/etc...etc...

Larian attempts to say that it isn't "Cut Content" but then immediately says:

"One of the reasons why we trimmed the epilogue is because we were afraid the ending cinematics were becoming too long and would detract from the epicness of the experience."

I mean okay, you didn't think it worked properly, but that is still...cut content. It doesn't just stop being cut because you will it to not be so. (Or call it "trimmed" like that is better?).

Also the idea that they made a 120+ hour game and thought that a few minutes of cinematics to end it off was "too long" is about the silliest excuse I've ever heard someone attempt to say with a straight face.

"We’ve started expanding the epilogues and you’ll see the first results of that in Patch 2 with the addition of a new optional ending with Karlach. It’s fiery, poignant, and gives her the ending she deserves."

Don't even get me started on this "fiery, poignant, ending that she deserves" it is still literally labeled as "Karlach.Bad2" in the files...

"The third is about the things we actually didn’t plan for, and those we once considered but ultimately didn’t do."

They attempt to explain this away as "Oh that was early stage ideas that got cut early on." kinda thing, which yeah I totally understand, games evolve in planning, things change...

But you either planned to have the Tadpoles be meaningful early on, cut the idea...and left it in the game, on purpose...for some reason? Or you cut it late in the game, and this is a lie...or PR speak.


"It was always our intention for the Upper City to be an epic, cinematic epilogue bringing the story of Baldur’s Gate 3 to a close. But we didn’t talk about that in advance because it would have been a major spoiler."

Well see as you say that people will be able to see the "Upper City" but then make the Upper city only the epilogue, which you... "trimmed" then the players...don't get an Upper City. Thats not really rocket science here.

As for "Not talking about it because it's a major spoiler"... No?

"You will get a chance to witness the epicness of the Upper City, depending on your branching choices at the end of the game." Is all you needed to say.

Then again, that would mean that the game needed branching choices...which, it doesn't.


My point for all this is that I genuinely hope that BG3 gets all the updates and love it deserves, because right now it feels unfinished.

To be clear, I love the game. I think it's a solid 8.3 but is being robbed of a 9+/10 because of this "Trimmed" content non-sense.


ENDING SPOILER WARNING


You get 3 endings.

Good - Destroy the Brain
Bad - Control the Brain (For Bhaal or for Yourself)
Gale - Have him explode, and get half of the good ending.


The rest of your choices, simply change the flavor of those endings...like:

Who is the mindflayer in the final battle?
PC
Emperor
Orhpeus
Companion

The choice doesn't really matter.

Ironhand Gnomes, or the Gondians?

Pointless.

They annoying part for me is that 100+ hour content boils down to three bad endings. The endings are pretty meaningless imo. I at least felt a few quests had better storyline and outcomes.

For upper city to only be a cinematic is a dumb answer when quests in game files have direct triggers that can only happen there. You cannot complete the quests that need those triggers. ACT 3 is just not finished. Maybe in 2-3 years. Rest of the game felt good though. But the game crumbles in act 3.

[shogunsmurf]

Originally posted by Verde:

Originally posted by shogunsmurf:

I take it Larians own words and promotion material is enough evidence ?

That's the funny part, because ironically it's not when it goes against these people's presuppositions xD

idk what the problem is tbh, we all know how the gaming industry is now adays. Rush a release and just patch up everything to hit some quarterly report for the investors in sales or something.

BG3 compared to a lot is at least playable on launch. Dun know why anyone would get fussy about people going "alright.... it's playable, but you promised more content, what gives ?"

[Kamos]

Originally posted by Maverick56:

INB4: "There is no proof of cut content, that is just a false narrative, game is 11/10 perfect."

I'm glad you realised that early, the cut content topic by ᛊᚨᛁᛚᛟᚱ ᛗᛟᛟᚾ is half full of this guy and ruffio arguing with everyone, they want proof, you give them proof and it's simply not enough.

You could give them a magic hat that contains all the proof they could ever dream of and they'd simply complain about the colour of the hat.

[shogunsmurf]

Originally posted by WeirdWizardDave:

Originally posted by Maverick56:

Not going another pointless 12 rounds with you, find another discussion thread to troll.

Dude you've never even gone one round with me. You just accuse me of trolling and completely refuse to engage with any and all debate. Check out my first post in this thread I've edited it to explicitly list all the links claiming to be proof and addressed each in detail. Something I have done repeatedly for you yet you haven't once addressed any of those points, or presented any additional evidence.

I gave you your proof, why you dodging it and going after people you can attack personally instead of engaging with evidence ?

"Alone this is not sufficient evidence", so them saying all Upper city will be accesible in several ways, jumping over roofs everywhere, despite them showing game footage in a official trailer of parts in game that currently aren't in game....... it's not sufficient evidence..... and mind you, official larian blog post and youtube channel.....

You are a joke.

[Edstyles]

We were promised alot of small differences in the ending. Where is it ? Its most def not over 1000 dif endings

https://www.pcinvasion.com/how-many-endings-are-there-in-baldurs-gate-3-answered/