Neil Newbon's Passionate Defense of Baldur's Gate 3 Against AI Influence

Neil Newbon, the actor who portrays Astarion in the acclaimed RPG Baldur's Gate 3, has recently concluded a two-year-long streaming series where he played through the game alongside his friend Tom de Ville. This extensive playthrough, which spanned 126 episodes, allowed Newbon to share his insights and experiences with the game, culminating in a heartfelt reflection during the final episode. He expressed his admiration for Baldur's Gate 3, stating, "It is one of my all-time favorite games," and described it as "one of the best-crafted games I've ever, ever played."

Astarion actor Neil Newbon completes his "two year" Baldur's Gate 3 run, calls the RPG "perfect" and predicts there won't be another like it "either ever, or for a very, very, very long time"

Throughout his streaming series, Newbon has been vocal about his opposition to the use of generative AI in video game development. He emphasized that Baldur's Gate 3 is "too interesting, subtle, crazy, off-the-wall, pathos-filled" to be created by AI. His sentiments were clear as he declared, "There’s no fucking way AI could make this." Newbon's critique aligns with a broader industry conversation regarding the role of AI, particularly in creative aspects such as writing and acting. Despite some initial acceptance of AI in concept art by Larian Studios, the developers have since committed to avoiding AI-generated content in their projects.

Baldur's Gate 3 Astarion actor says "there's no f*cking way AI could make" anything like Larian's hit RPG: "It's too interesting, subtle, crazy, off the wall, pathos-filled. It's too human"'This game could never be made by AI… it's too human,' says Baldur's Gate 3 actor Neil Newbon after wrapping a playthrough on streamAstarion actor Neil Newbon completes his "two year" Baldur's Gate 3 run, calls the RPG "perfect" and predicts there won't be another like it "either ever, or for a very, very, very long time"

Baldur's Gate 3 has received widespread acclaim, sweeping major gaming awards in 2023 and topping numerous Game of the Year lists. Newbon, who has been involved with the project since 2019, remarked on the game's uniqueness, predicting, "There won't be another game like this either ever, or for a very, very, very long time." He described the game as "a perfect game," highlighting its exceptional narrative and character development.

Astarion actor Neil Newbon completes his "two year" Baldur's Gate 3 run, calls the RPG "perfect" and predicts there won't be another like it "either ever, or for a very, very, very long time"

Newbon's comments reflect a growing concern among creators about the implications of AI in the gaming industry. Larian Studios, the developer behind Baldur's Gate 3, has shifted its stance on AI, moving from initial acceptance to a commitment to manual craftsmanship in their game development processes. This decision underscores the industry's recognition of the value of human creativity in gaming.

Baldur's Gate 3 Astarion actor says "there's no f*cking way AI could make" anything like Larian's hit RPG: "It's too interesting, subtle, crazy, off the wall, pathos-filled. It's too human"

• “Baldur's Gate 3, the game that just keeps on fucking giving,” — Neil Newbon, Actor

'This game could never be made by AI… it's too human,' says Baldur's Gate 3 actor Neil Newbon after wrapping a playthrough on stream

• “It just goes to show to you, folks, fuck AI,” — Neil Newbon, Actor

Baldur's Gate 3 Astarion actor says "there's no f*cking way AI could make" anything like Larian's hit RPG: "It's too interesting, subtle, crazy, off the wall, pathos-filled. It's too human"

• “There won't be another game like this either ever, or for a very, very, very long time,” — Neil Newbon, Actor

Astarion actor Neil Newbon completes his "two year" Baldur's Gate 3 run, calls the RPG "perfect" and predicts there won't be another like it "either ever, or for a very, very, very long time"

Following the conclusion of his Baldur's Gate 3 playthrough, Newbon and de Ville have begun a new project, a playthrough of Larian's previous title, Divinity: Original Sin 2. As they explore the extensive modding community for Baldur's Gate 3, Newbon has expressed interest in experimenting with various mods, indicating a continued engagement with the gaming community and its creative possibilities.

Astarion actor Neil Newbon completes his "two year" Baldur's Gate 3 run, calls the RPG "perfect" and predicts there won't be another like it "either ever, or for a very, very, very long time"