Neil Newbon, the British actor who brought the beloved vampire companion Astarion to life in "Baldur's Gate 3," recently weighed in on Larian Studios' decision not to develop a sequel. Speaking in a new interview, Newbon expressed his "full support" for the move, believing the development team made the right choice.
During an appearance on "Arcade Hang," a program from Radio Times Gaming, Newbon acknowledged the immense success of "Baldur's Gate 3" and the fan anticipation for a sequel or DLC. However, he commended Larian for staying true to their vision and choosing to conclude the project while it felt "complete."
"They're not in the mindset of making another Baldur's Gate, or even DLC," Newbon stated. "They're tired, they're satisfied, and they feel like, 'This is the story we wanted to tell,' and I think that's great."
Newbon highlighted a prevalent issue in the current gaming industry: the "commercialization of sequels," often leading to rushed development and a lack of passion. He emphasized that "Baldur's Gate 3," a game meticulously crafted over nearly a decade, deserves to be respected for its integrity. "I think Larian made absolutely the right decision," he affirmed.
Despite his support for Larian's choice, Newbon himself isn't ready to bid farewell to Astarion. He revealed his willingness to return to the role if the opportunity arose, even for a live-action portrayal. He added that should the series continue without Larian at the helm, he hopes any future installment would maintain the original writing quality and spirit, rather than becoming an "empty imitation."
Larian's departure presents a significant challenge for Hasbro should they decide to continue the franchise. The key will be finding a way to introduce new teams and creative visions while preserving the original game's essence. Regardless of the outcome, fans eagerly await the possibility of Astarion and other beloved characters embarking on new adventures.