In June of 2020, the game's creative director, Ashraf Ismail, had to step down during development due to accusations that he'd been having extramarital affairs with younger fans of the series.

Ismail made a statement on Twitter saying "I am stepping down from my beloved project to properly deal with the personal issues in my life, [...] The lives of my family and my own are shattered. I am deeply sorry to everyone hurt in this."

The sidequest "The Prodigy" is an extended reference to the English electropunk band of the same name:

• The central character of the sidequest is a bard named and designed after Prodigy frontman Keith Flint. Keith can be found in the kingdom of Essex, the real Flint's homeland.
• Keith explains that the Bishop of Ruins has condemned his music as immoral, referencing the Prodigy's controversial reputation in their native UK.
• Keith states that Eivor's appearance is "surely an omen," referencing the Prodigy's 2009 single "Omen".
• During and after the fistight with the Bishop of Ruins, Keith sings "smack my bishop," playing on the Prodigy's 1997 single "Smack My Bitch Up".

Kristen McGorry, one of the game's writers, confirmed on Twitter that the allusions were an intentional tribute to Flint, who died the year before the game's release.