The Controversial Bear Smooching Scene in Baldur’s Gate 3

The performance director of Baldur’s Gate 3 recently shed some light on the controversial bear smooching scene that caused quite a stir in the gaming community. This particular scene, where players have the option to engage in intimate relations with a druid in grizzly bear form, went viral before the game’s release and captured the attention of many gamers looking for a unique and unconventional experience.

During a Game Developers Conference talk, the performance director, Greg Lidstone, addressed the topic of intimacy coordinators and their role in handling sensitive and intimate scenes in video games. In the past, games often neglected the need for intimacy coordinators, especially when dealing with sexual themes. However, for Baldur’s Gate 3, the decision was made to bring in an intimacy coordinator, Enric Ortuno, to ensure that the actors felt safe and comfortable during the filming of such scenes.

Lidstone emphasized the importance of having an intimacy coordinator present during the filming of the bear smooching scene to address any concerns and ensure that the actors were not put in any compromising positions. The coordinator’s role was not only to monitor the actors’ well-being but also to provide guidance and support in navigating the complexities of intimate scenes.

One of the key challenges highlighted by Lidstone was the power dynamics involved in directing intimate scenes. By having an intimacy coordinator on set, the team at Larian Studio was able to maintain a professional and respectful environment for the actors, ensuring that their boundaries were respected and that they had the necessary support to perform their roles effectively.

The behind-the-scenes insights shared by the performance director of Baldur’s Gate 3 offer a glimpse into the thought processes and considerations that go into creating controversial and boundary-pushing content in video games. By prioritizing actor safety and comfort and recognizing the importance of having a professional support system in place, the team at Larian Studio was able to navigate the challenges of filming intimate scenes with sensitivity and professionalism.