Larian Studios, the mastermind behind the critically acclaimed Baldur's Gate 3, has now turned its full attention to crafting its next big title. Following the monumental success of Baldur's Gate 3 in 2023, which swept numerous Game of the Year awards and captivated a wide array of gamers, Larian is poised to build on this momentum.
Before Baldur's Gate 3, Larian had already established itself as a leading force in the CRPG genre with Divinity: Original Sin and its 2017 sequel. These successes paved the way for Larian to take on the iconic Baldur's Gate franchise, stepping into the shoes once filled by BioWare. The impact of Baldur's Gate 3 has significantly elevated Larian's reputation, leaving fans eager and curious about their next move.
In a statement to VideoGamer, Larian announced, "Swen and the team's full attention is focused on crafting their next title." The studio is also entering a "media blackout" to minimize distractions as they work on this new project. While Larian will continue to provide some support for Baldur's Gate 3, such as the upcoming Patch 8 which will introduce new features, it appears their involvement with the game is winding down.
Currently, very little is known about what Larian's next project will entail. In mid-2024, the studio opened a new branch to work on two ambitious RPGs, though it's unclear if they are focusing on one or both projects. Speculation abounds, with some believing Larian might leverage their Baldur's Gate 3 experience to create Divinity: Original Sin 3, while others think they might venture into an entirely new IP. However, with Larian's new media blackout, fans will likely have to wait patiently for any concrete details.
As for the future of the Baldur's Gate franchise, the responsibility now falls to Wizards of the Coast to find a worthy successor to Larian. Any future titles will inevitably be measured against the high standard set by Baldur's Gate 3. On a positive note, several actors from Baldur's Gate 3 have expressed their willingness to reprise their roles in future entries, even without Larian's involvement, suggesting that some beloved characters may return.