"Tiefling Character Astarion Originally Featured in Early Baldur's Gate 3 Version, GDC Panel Discloses"

During a GDC panel, Larian Studios founder Swen Vincke revealed that Astarion, a popular character in Baldur’s Gate 3, was originally designed as a Tiefling with glowing yellow eyes and black hair, before being changed to a High-Elf with curly white hair. Despite the race change, early Astarion shared similarities with the current version, including his voice. The character, played by Neil Newbon, has gained significant fan attention since the game's release in 2023, with fan art, mods, and memes circulating online.