The Future of Larian Studios
Larian Studios, the Belgium-based developer behind the highly successful CRPG Baldur’s Gate 3, has been surprised by the game’s overwhelming success. With all eyes on them, the question arises: what does Larian Studios have planned after the completion of Baldur’s Gate 3?
Established in 1996, Larian Studios gained acclaim for their Divinity series before embarking on the ambitious project of Baldur’s Gate 3. Now, with their reputation solidified, fans eagerly await news of their next venture.
In an interview with IGN, Larian Studios revealed that they plan to take a break before diving into their next project. This is understandable considering the lengthy development process of Baldur’s Gate 3, which spanned five years. Once they have rejuvenated, what can we expect from this talented studio?
Finishing up Baldur’s Gate 3 with patches and DLC
Before moving on, Larian Studios will continue to improve and expand upon Baldur’s Gate 3. While the game has received critical acclaim, it still has some bugs, multiplayer glitches, and balance issues that need addressing. The developers have already released one patch, which was well-received, and another one is on the horizon. They are actively listening to player feedback and working hard to ensure the game meets players’ expectations.
In addition to bug fixes and improvements, Larian Studios may also introduce new features through DLC. This could include additional subclasses, races, and backgrounds to enhance replayability. While mods currently fill this gap, official content tends to be more polished and comprehensive.
One potential DLC idea could be the inclusion of the Artificer, the 13th class in DnD 5E. This would provide more options for players and allow characters like Gale to explore multiclassing.
Furthermore, there may be an opportunity to extend the current campaign to level 20, catering to power-scalers who crave the ultimate challenge. By raising AC, attack rolls, and enemy damage, the game could offer a more complete experience for those seeking the chaos of level 20 Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition.
Divinity: Original Sin 3
Given Larian Studios’ success with the Divinity series, it is highly likely that they will return to this beloved universe. In the IGN interview, the developers confirmed their intention to revisit the Divinity: Original Sin universe at some point. As the ending of Divinity: Original Sin 2 was open-ended, fans can look forward to discovering which ending becomes canon. A post-apocalyptic perspective on the Divinity universe could provide a fresh take on the genre, while still staying true to Larian Studios’ fantasy roots.
Considering the immense interest in Baldur’s Gate 3, a swift return to the Divinity franchise would be a wise move. The endings of Divinity: Original Sin 2 allow for a soft reboot of the world, ensuring a seamless transition for both new and existing fans.
Baldur’s Gate 4
With the resounding success of Baldur’s Gate 3, it is possible that Wizards of the Coast, the owners of the Baldur’s Gate IP, may want to continue their partnership with Larian Studios. This could pave the way for Baldur’s Gate 4, giving Larian Studios the opportunity to design a campaign that reaches level 20 and solidify their hold on the IP.
However, after the challenging development process of Baldur’s Gate 3, it would be wise for Larian Studios to take a break before diving back into the world of Faerûn. A period of rest and rejuvenation would ensure that the next installment in the Baldur’s Gate series is even better than its predecessor.
Exploring Other IPs
As one of the leading RPG developers, Larian Studios may be approached by publishers seeking to improve existing franchises or launch new ones. While it is unlikely to happen in the near future, there are some IPs that would be a great fit for Larian Studios’ expertise:
– Lord of the Rings: With its rich fantasy world, this legendary franchise would be a natural fit for Larian Studios’ storytelling and character development skills.
– Magic: The Gathering: The vast lore of MTG could provide a solid foundation for a CRPG, focusing on the Planeswalkers and their adventures.
– Warhammer 40,000: The dark and gritty world of Warhammer would lend itself well to a CRPG, especially considering the similarities between CRPG gameplay and tabletop Warhammer games.
– Pathfinder: As a competitor to Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder offers a different tabletop experience that emphasizes utility and character building. While this option may be a long shot due to Wizards of the Coast’s influence, it would be an exciting venture for Larian Studios.
Staying True to CRPGs
Given Larian Studios’ expertise and success in the CRPG genre, it is unlikely that they will venture into other genres anytime soon. With a team of 400 developers dedicated to turning Dungeons & Dragons 5E into a CRPG, Larian Studios is committed to keeping the genre alive and thriving. Their continuous improvement from Divinity: Original Sin 2 to Baldur’s Gate 3 is a testament to their dedication and passion for CRPGs.
While the future may hold surprises, we can expect Larian Studios to remain at the forefront of the CRPG industry, delivering immersive and engaging experiences for years to come.
Source: DOTESPORTS
