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.
Baldur's Gate 3 developer Larian Studios has confirmed that it is now fully focused on the development of its next title. With the bulk of its post-launch support for Baldur's Gate 3 now complete, Larian can now turn its attention to topping its impressive 2023 effort.
Prior to the release of the critically acclaimed Baldur's Gate 3 in late 2023, Larian was already a leading player in the CRPG genre. In the years before, it had created both Divinity: Original Sin and its 2017 sequel. It was the impressive work done on both of these titles that led the studio to be given the Baldur's Gate license, filling the big boots of BioWare, which developed the first two games in the series. Baldur's Gate 3 was a mega-hit, winning countless Game of the Year awards and enticing players who would never usually play a CRPG. Consequently, Larian's reputation has massively increased, leading fans to be excited about what may come next.
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In a statement to VideoGamer, Larian confirmed, "Swen and the team[‘s]… full attention is focused on crafting their next title." It also claimed that Larian will be shifting to a "media blackout" for the foreseeable future, as it seeks to block outside noise while the work continues on its next project. Some small support will continue for Baldur's Gate 3, such as the upcoming Patch 8, which is set to bring a few new features to the RPG. However, beyond this, it seems the studio is done with the game.
Larian Now Focused on Developing Its First Post-Baldur's Gate 3 Title
At the moment, there are practically no details about what Larian's successor to Baldur's Gate 3 will actually be. In mid-2024, Larian opened a new studio to assist with two new ambitious RPGs, although it's unclear if the studio has decided to only move forward with one project at this point in time. Some gamers think that the developer will use its Baldur's Gate 3 experience to make Divinity: Original Sin 3, while others think it could take the opportunity to create a brand-new IP. Only time will tell, although details are likely to be sparse for some time yet.
No one really knows what to expect for the future of the Baldur's Gate franchise. With Larian moving on, Wizards of the Coast now has the unenviable job of finding a successor, with any future title likely to be judged against the high bar of Baldur's Gate 3. The good news is that several Baldur's Gate 3 actors have already confirmed they're open to returning to their roles in future titles, even without Larian's involvement, so there may be some familiar faces yet.
Baldur's Gate 3
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 96 /100 Critics Rec: 97%
- Released
- August 3, 2023
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Larian Studios
- Engine
- Divinity 4.0
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play
- Full cross-platform play.
WHERE TO PLAY
Abducted, infected, lost. You are turning into a monster, but as the corruption inside you grows, so does your power. Forge a tale of fellowship and betrayal, sacrifice and survival, and the lure of absolute power. Caught in a conflict between devils, deities, and sinister otherworldly forces, you and your party will determine the fate of the Forgotten Realms.
THE ULTIMATE D&D EXPERIENCE
Choose from a wide selection of D&D races and classes, or play as an origin character with a hand-crafted background. Adventure, loot, battle, and romance as you journey through the Forgotten Realms and beyond. Play alone or as a party of up to four in multiplayer – and select your companions carefully.
A CINEMATIC STORYTELLING EPIC
Forged with the new Divinity 4.0 engine, Baldur’s Gate 3 gives you unprecedented freedom to explore, experiment, and interact with a world that reacts to your choices. A grand, cinematic narrative brings you closer to your characters than ever before, as you venture through our biggest world yet. Romance, deceive, aid, obstruct, and grow alongside your friends thanks to Larian's next-generation RPG engine.
- Cross Save
- Full cross-platform progression.
- Franchise
- Baldur's Gate
- Number of Players
- 1-4
- Split Screen Orientation
- Vertical Only
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Verified
- PC Release Date
- August 3, 2023
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- December 7, 2023
- PS5 Release Date
- September 6, 2023
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, macOS
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- How Long To Beat
- 100+ Hours
- X|S Optimized
- yes
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
- Local Co-Op Support
- 1-2 Players
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
