Larian Studios, the creators of the critically acclaimed Baldur's Gate 3, have announced a complete shift in focus to their next, unannounced project. The studio has implemented a media blackout, signaling a period of silence regarding their future endeavors.
While Baldur's Gate 3's highly anticipated Patch 8 is slated for release later this year, Larian's CEO, Swen Vincke, confirmed via Twitter and a subsequent statement to VideoGamer that the team's full attention is dedicated to this new title. Vincke's tweet expressed a sense of accomplishment regarding Baldur's Gate 3's success but hinted at the studio's future plans.
The upcoming game will not be a Baldur's Gate sequel, nor will it be another Dungeons & Dragons adaptation. Instead, Larian is venturing into uncharted territory with an entirely original IP. This decision follows the studio's internal struggle to generate enthusiasm for a Baldur's Gate continuation.
Previous statements from Vincke offer only vague clues. In November 2023, he alluded to the project's ambition, suggesting it would push creative boundaries. Earlier, in July 2023, he mentioned the eventual return to the Divinity: Original Sin universe, but emphasized that it wouldn't be the immediate next project. He highlighted the immense effort poured into Baldur's Gate 3, implying a necessary creative recharge before tackling another large-scale project.
Speculation abounds regarding the nature of Larian's next game. Given their history with fantasy RPGs, a departure into science fiction, a contemporary setting, or even a different genre entirely, remains a strong possibility. However, it's likely to be some considerable time – potentially years – before any concrete details are revealed.
