The characters in Baldur’s Gate 3 are more vibrant and lifelike than ever before, thanks to the use of motion capture technology. While it’s common for main characters in games to utilize this technology, what sets Baldur’s Gate 3 apart is that all 248 characters, including NPCs, were motion captured.
Aliona Baranova, an actress and performance director, revealed this surprising fact in a tweet where she playfully praised her girlfriend, Jennifer English, who voices the character Shadowheart. Baranova explained that all the actors wore motion capture suits, and their movements and physical choices were recorded and incorporated into the game’s animations. This attention to detail is what makes the performances in Baldur’s Gate 3 feel so alive.
Baranova’s passion for her work as a performance director shines through, and the end result in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a testament to her skill. The iconic head wiggles of Shadowheart, for example, are a direct result of Jennifer English’s performance. Baranova even shared a behind-the-scenes clip showcasing English embodying the character.
Devora Wilde’s physical choices while voicing Lae’zel contributed to the character’s militaristic and alien movements, while Neil Newbon’s theatrical flare influenced Astarion’s animations. Every character in the game received this level of attention and detail, making Baldur’s Gate 3 a truly immersive experience.
It’s worth noting that the sheer scale of motion capture in Baldur’s Gate 3 is unprecedented. While other games have utilized this technology, none have come close to capturing the performances of 248 characters. This dedication to bringing the characters to life sets Baldur’s Gate 3 apart from its peers.
Source: DOTESPORTS
