Larian Studios, creators of the 2023 Game of the Year, Baldur's Gate 3, have revealed details about a shelved project: a playable Baldur's Gate 4.
A Playable, Yet Abandoned, Sequel
Larian CEO Swen Vincke, in a PC Gamer interview, confirmed the existence of a playable Baldur's Gate 4 prototype. While acknowledging its potential appeal to fans, Vincke explained the decision to abandon it. The team, after extensive work on D&D titles, felt the need to pursue fresh, original ideas. The prospect of potentially years more development on a similar project proved unappealing.
A Boost in Morale
The decision to move on from the Baldur's Gate franchise has reportedly resulted in significantly higher team morale. The studio is now focused on two unannounced projects, described by Vincke as their most ambitious yet.
The Future: Beyond Baldur's Gate
Larian's future likely involves a return to their Divinity series. While a Divinity: Original Sin 3 has been hinted at previously, Vincke clarified that their next Divinity project will be unexpected. Meanwhile, Baldur's Gate 3 will receive a final major patch in Fall 2024, including mod support, cross-play, and new endings.
The abandonment of Baldur's Gate 4, including planned DLC for Baldur's Gate 3, marks a significant shift for Larian Studios, signaling a renewed focus on innovation and original IP.
