You would expect, given the success of Baldur’s Gate 3, to see Larian Studios talking up their partnership with Dungeons & Dragons, perhaps dropping information about upcoming DLC for the game that stole everyone’s hearts in 2023. Sadly, this is not the case. In fact, it’s the complete opposite of the case.
Talking at GDC, Swen Vincke, founder of Larian Studios, dropped the bombshell that they wouldn’t be supporting Baldur’s Gate 3 with an expansion or any DLC. What’s worse is that they won’t be making Baldur’s Gate 4 either and seem to be parting ways with Dungeons & Dragons completely.
Baldur's Gate 3 was lightning in a bottle and one of the best games of 2023.
What this means for the studio is anybody’s guess. Senior product manager Tom Butler has spoken about the company simply patching Baldur’s Gate 3 for a while before Larian Studios goes on holiday and figures out what’s next. It’s seemingly obvious that whatever they come up with will be a hit, but we can’t help but feel sad that the door has closed on Baldur’s Gate 3.
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Thankfully, the size and scope of Baldur’s Gate 3 will allow us to revisit it over and over again for years to come, rolling new characters and making new choices.
It does also make some sense that Larian Studios is done - Baldur’s Gate 3 was a huge game that took many years to perfect, which would only expand were they to try and better themselves. It must be remembered that previously Baldur’s Gate was developed by BioWare, while Larian Studios was working on their Divinity series, so perhaps this series could make a comeback.
What this means for the Dungeons & Dragons license is also up for debate; will Wizards of the Coast want to find another studio that can emulate what has come before? Or will they take the franchise in a new direction? Only time will tell.
Featured Image Credit: Larian StudiosTopics: Baldur's Gate 3, Dungeons & Dragons, PC, Xbox, PlayStation