ETA on Mod Tools or should I just give up?

[Z405]

The title says it all, and I'm sure there have been a gazillion posts about it already. The only reference that seems to be legitimate is this article on PC Gamer titled "What's next for Baldur's Gate 3: over 1,000 'fixes and tweaks,' official mod tools, requested features."

I quote:

"In an interview with PC Gamer last week, Vincke also confirmed that official mod tools are on the way, which is slightly juicier news than 'game will get patches.' We mentioned that tidbit in an article last week about Larian's absence of expansion plans, but I didn't shout about it too much because I'd hoped to get clarification on what kind of mod tools we're talking about."

Yet, this article is from August 16, 2023. Claiming Mod Tools are "on the way" would perhaps imply a shorter timeframe than what we've been waiting for so far. As for the Mod Tools themselves, I can't help but wonder what they would allow us to do, or if they will still see a release at all.

I can only imagine that we might be able to design completely new maps and use them to build our own unique adventures. If WotC has made a deal with Larian that they get "x" from their revenue, especially since WotC has had a very rough year, or years, it might move them to condone this approach and we can see TT D&D DMs to consider sculpting their experience in the BG3 engine.

Perhaps I'm oversimplifying things or being naive, but if the mod tools are idiot-friendly enough, I could actually see this becoming a legitimate thing. DMs could even download other DMs' created campaigns for BG3 if the campaigns don't necessarily tie into the storyline of BG3 but simply use the system itself.

[アンジェル]

Originally posted by Z405:

ETA on Mod Tools or should I just give up?
The title says it all, and I'm sure there have been a gazillion posts about it already. The only reference that seems to be legitimate is this article on PC Gamer titled "What's next for Baldur's Gate 3: over 1,000 'fixes and tweaks,' official mod tools, requested features."

I quote:

"In an interview with PC Gamer last week, Vincke also confirmed that official mod tools are on the way, which is slightly juicier news than 'game will get patches.' We mentioned that tidbit in an article last week about Larian's absence of expansion plans, but I didn't shout about it too much because I'd hoped to get clarification on what kind of mod tools we're talking about."

Yet, this article is from August 16, 2023. Claiming Mod Tools are "on the way" would perhaps imply a shorter timeframe than what we've been waiting for so far. As for the Mod Tools themselves, I can't help but wonder what they would allow us to do, or if they will still see a release at all.

I can only imagine that we might be able to design completely new maps and use them to build our own unique adventures. If WotC has made a deal with Larian that they get "x" from their revenue, especially since WotC has had a very rough year, or years, it might move TT D&D DMs to consider sculpting their experience in the BG3 engine.

Perhaps I'm oversimplifying things or being naive, but if the mod tools are idiot-friendly enough, I could actually see this becoming a legitimate thing. DMs could even download other DMs' created campaigns for BG3 if the campaigns don't necessarily tie into the storyline of BG3 but simply use the system itself.

Whether you have patience or you give up on the matter, by the end of the day you will learn from it.

[Z405]

Originally posted by アンジェル:

Whether you have patience or you give up on the matter, by the end of the day you will learn from it.

Thank you for your insight. I'll keep that in mind and see what lessons come my way. Appreciate your perspective.

[zero]

we have no eta, we all get the same news.

[Z405]

Originally posted by zero:

we have no eta, we all get the same news.

Thank you for the clarification. I assumed there might be additional information on mod-tools updates that I may have missed, considering I'm not online 24/7. Chances are reasonable that I've missed some mentions or articles covering this topic, which is the reason behind my post.

[zero]

Originally posted by Z405:

Originally posted by zero:

we have no eta, we all get the same news.

Thank you for the clarification. I assumed there might be additional information on mod-tools updates that I may have missed, considering I'm not online 24/7. Chances are reasonable that I've missed some mentions or articles covering this topic, which is the reason behind my post.

if its anything that matters to us besides just hearing their insight, it'll probably show up as a steam news for the game, like the patches are.

i hope it comes soon, but i wouldn't put my money on it

[アンジェル]

If we are to expect a definitive edition of the game, like as seen with the Divinity Original Sins games, I can even imagine we get some after that release. So it can be a little into the future.

[Z405]

Originally posted by アンジェル:

If we are to expect a definitive edition of the game, like as seen with the Divinity Original Sins games, I can even imagine we get some after that release. So it can be a little into the future.

I remember that the D:OS2 Official Mod Tools were released just one day after the official launch. Perhaps I'm mistaken, but I don't recall having to wait until the definitive edition.

That being said, could there be more of an issue going on with WotC? I can only imagine the concerns it might raise, considering what creating worlds and campaigns in this engine could enable people to do. It's already not uncommon for individuals to play D&D sessions online, so routing this through BG3 would be a logical evolution. However, it could potentially impact WotC sales, unless they've negotiated a very favorable deal with Larian.

We might even anticipate a separate Mod Tools release that requires an additional payment. Something I honestly wouldn't even be against.

[The Yeen Queen]

They don't tend to be big on giving timelines. And probably a good thing. Too many people take something like "We're shooting for around first quarter" as an absolute promise that the thing will be ready by the end of first quarter, then trot out the torches and pitchforks calling devs liars if they don't make that goal.

[アンジェル]

Originally posted by Z405:

Originally posted by アンジェル:

If we are to expect a definitive edition of the game, like as seen with the Divinity Original Sins games, I can even imagine we get some after that release. So it can be a little into the future.

I remember that the D:OS2 Official Mod Tools were released just one day after the official launch. Perhaps I'm mistaken, but I don't recall having to wait until the definitive edition.

That being said, could there be more of an issue going on with WotC? I can only imagine the concerns it might raise, considering what creating worlds and campaigns in this engine could enable people to do. It's already not uncommon for individuals to play D&D sessions online, so routing this through BG3 would be a logical evolution. However, it could potentially impact WotC sales, unless they've negotiated a very favorable deal with Larian.

We might even anticipate a separate Mod Tools release that requires an additional payment. Something I honestly wouldn't even be against.

I doubt Wizards are involved. Baldur's Gate 3 is properly licensed in that regards, and modding goes under special licenses which goes somewhat along the line "player can do whatever they want, we do not care once we allowed it as long as it follows common sense". Common sense such as: do not sell mods without having a license to do so, and do not make mods which harm licenses.

That being mentioned you can only expect limitations within distribution platforms if e.g. a platform do not want you to distribute a mod. And as a matter of course legal actions are taken if you are breaking any laws.

It simply makes no sense as for now with modding tools. Not as long as some criteria are not fulfilled. I can only give you hints to those, you need to come up with the conclusion yourself.

Like: think about why there is no chatbox.

If you understand that in the context of game publishing, it is much easier to see the bigger picture why some thing are not possible the way people imagine. It is similar like to why the hirelings needs to be the way they are. That alongside technical features like why you cannot that easily customise companions aka there are very good reasons why you should not be able to.

In fact, the modding scene had already created some prime examples in that regards...

Plus: how do you imagine modding tools to begin with? Most are simple and create simple results. But how is the modding tool supposed to look like to create cutscenes?

It is true that most cutscenes are done with motion capture. So I personally cannot imagine how the modding tool would look like which would be made for public use without giving too much away which is legally not to be given away due to patents and so on.

I recommend to be patient. I have seen good modding tools. I have seen bad modding tools. When it comes to Wizards, I can even see why people might think modding tools are unnecessary, considering their past experiences. Why modding tools might be even dangerous.

But we expect the tools from Larian Studios. So maybe we get something similar like with Divinity Original Sin. Once they are done launching the game.

[Zeel Ara]

You have the exact same information as everyone else. Unless you expect someone to casually drop insider information on steam forums of all places. In which case I'd advice you to prepare for disappointment.

[zero]

Originally posted by Ratley:

You have the exact same information as everyone else. Unless you expect someone to casually drop insider information on steam forums of all places. In which case I'd advice you to prepare for disappointment.

what is this? war thunder? how much classified information can we possibly have.

joke aside, they probably wont give a set date cause you know how people will be if they do and miss it.

[アンジェル]

Originally posted by zero:

Originally posted by Ratley:

You have the exact same information as everyone else. Unless you expect someone to casually drop insider information on steam forums of all places. In which case I'd advice you to prepare for disappointment.

what is this? war thunder? how much classified information can we possibly have.

joke aside, they probably wont give a set date cause you know how people will be if they do and miss it.

Hm. It was a "silent minority", but even the Japanese language delay has seen quite some complaints. Surprisingly almost none on Steam.

[northernwater]

Originally posted by アンジェル:

Whether you have patience or you give up on the matter, by the end of the day you will learn from it.

I think I saw that in a cookie one time.

[northernwater]

657 Million is a lot of money to count. Give them time.

[アンジェル]

Originally posted by northernwater:

Originally posted by アンジェル:

Whether you have patience or you give up on the matter, by the end of the day you will learn from it.

I think I saw that in a cookie one time.

Well, it is sort of universal wisdom. Which means not to wait with attention for something you have no influence over. Let things come as they come and use the energy for something else in the meanwhile, whether to prepare for things to come, or just be free from tension if nothing comes.

Same like insurances. You do not pay and hope you get what you paid some day returned to you tenfolds. You hope that nothing ever will happen, but if something will happen the insurance will do their contracted part.

I can go on, but it will only end with why more on more people are incapable to have a long lasting relationship nowadays.