BG3 Fanfic Inspired the Notorious Bear Sex Scene

At a recent UK conference, former Larian Studios writer Baudelaire Welch discussed the impact of Baldur's Gate 3's (BG3) bear romance scene, highlighting its significance in gaming.

Baldur's Gate 3's Bear Romance: A Landmark Moment in Gaming

The "Daddy Halsin" Phenomenon

Welch, BG3's companion narrative lead, hailed the scene as a "watershed moment," praising Larian Studios for uniquely responding to the game's fanfiction community. This unprecedented move, he explained, validated the desires of fans who envisioned a romance with Halsin in his bear form.

While Halsin's bear transformation was initially intended for combat, the game's fanfiction community's desire for a "Daddy Halsin" romance storyline influenced its development. Welch clarified that this romantic element wasn't in the initial design, stating, "I don't think there were specific plans for him to be a love interest."

Welch's presentation emphasized the vital role of fanfiction in maintaining a game's community engagement. He noted the longevity of romance-focused fanfiction, stating, "Romance is one of the longest-tail parts of a fandom you can create." This ongoing fan engagement, particularly impactful among women and LGBTQIA+ players, has significantly contributed to BG3's continued popularity since its release.

Welch concluded that this scene represents a crucial shift, where the fanfiction community is no longer a niche group but a major audience actively being catered to.

From Gag to Game-Changing Romance

The bear transformation romance initially began as a humorous, off-screen idea. However, Larian Studios founder Swen Vincke and senior writer John Corcoran saw its potential and incorporated it into Halsin's romance arc.

Welch revealed, "The specifically turning into a bear thing was originally meant to be a gag... but then Swen and John...were like, 'Oh, let's bring this idea forward and...make it a main thing.'" This decision transformed a simple joke into a defining element of BG3's narrative and a significant moment in gaming history.