Baldur's Gate 3 Dev Shifts Focus to New Project

Summary

• Larian Studios shifts focus to developing a new title post-Baldur's Gate 3 success.
• Limited support remains for BG3 as Patch 8 introduces new features.
• Details on Larian's next project are sparse.

Following the monumental success of Baldur's Gate 3, Larian Studios has announced a full pivot to their next ambitious project. With the majority of post-launch support for Baldur's Gate 3 now concluded, the studio is eager to channel their creative energies into surpassing their acclaimed 2023 release.

Before the launch of Baldur's Gate 3 in late 2023, Larian Studios had already established itself as a powerhouse in the CRPG genre with titles like Divinity: Original Sin and its 2017 sequel. Their stellar work on these games earned them the opportunity to take on the prestigious Baldur's Gate franchise, following in the footsteps of BioWare, the original developers. Baldur's Gate 3 not only met but exceeded expectations, sweeping Game of the Year awards and drawing in a diverse player base, many of whom were new to the genre. This triumph has significantly elevated Larian's standing in the gaming world, heightening anticipation for their next endeavor.

In a statement to VideoGamer, Larian Studios declared, "Swen and the team's full attention is focused on crafting their next title." The studio also plans to enter a "media blackout" to minimize distractions and concentrate on their new project. While they will continue to provide minimal support for Baldur's Gate 3, including the upcoming Patch 8 with new features, their primary efforts are now directed elsewhere.

Larian Now Focused on Developing Its First Post-Baldur's Gate 3 Title

Currently, details about Larian's next project remain under wraps. In mid-2024, the studio expanded by opening a new facility to work on two ambitious RPGs, though it's uncertain if they will proceed with both. Speculation abounds among fans, with some believing Larian might develop Divinity: Original Sin 3, leveraging their recent successes, while others hope for an entirely new IP. As Larian enters this media blackout, fans will need to wait patiently for more information.

The future of the Baldur's Gate series remains uncertain following Larian's departure. Wizards of the Coast now faces the challenging task of finding a new developer to take over, with any subsequent title inevitably measured against the towering achievements of Baldur's Gate 3. Encouragingly, several actors from Baldur's Gate 3 have expressed willingness to reprise their roles in future installments, suggesting that familiar faces may return, even without Larian's involvement.