Baldur's Gate 3's Steam Surge Post-Patch 8: Larian Eyes Next Big Project

The release of the highly anticipated Patch 8 for *Baldur’s Gate 3* has significantly boosted player numbers on Steam, setting developer Larian up well to shift focus to their next big project. Patch 8, which launched last week, introduced 12 new subclasses and a brand new photo mode, sparking a surge in player engagement as fans eagerly tested out these new features.

Over the weekend, *Baldur’s Gate 3* achieved a concurrent player peak of 169,267 on Steam—an impressive milestone for a single-player focused role-playing game in its second year. While Sony and Microsoft keep PlayStation and Xbox player numbers under wraps, the Steam figures alone highlight the game's enduring popularity.

Reflecting on Patch 8's impact, Larian's chief, Swen Vincke, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express optimism about the game's future. Vincke noted that the patch not only revitalized player interest but also that the thriving mod support would ensure *Baldur’s Gate 3* continues to thrive. This success, Vincke explained, allows Larian to concentrate on their next major project, stating, "We’ve got big shoes to fill."

Vincke shared his satisfaction with Patch 8, emphasizing the significant development effort involved and the joy of seeing players return to the game. With a strong foundation now set, Larian can fully commit to crafting their upcoming game.

Patch 8 marks the final major update for *Baldur’s Gate 3*, concluding a remarkable chapter for Larian. The game, which launched to critical acclaim and massive commercial success in 2023, has maintained strong sales through 2024 and into 2025.

In a surprising move, Larian announced their departure from the *Baldur’s Gate* and *Dungeons & Dragons* franchise to work on a new, undisclosed project. This shift prompted a media blackout to focus on the mystery game, leaving fans curious about what's next.

Meanwhile, D&D owner Hasbro hinted at continuing the *Baldur’s Gate* series. Speaking at the Game Developers Conference, SVP of digital games at Hasbro, Dan Ayoub, revealed that with Larian moving on, "a lot of people [are] very interested in *Baldur's Gate*." Ayoub teased upcoming plans but remained coy about specifics, leaving open the possibility of a new *Baldur's Gate* game or other related projects. He expressed a desire for a *Baldur's Gate 4* but acknowledged that such a project would require time and a thoughtful approach.