In a recent flurry of activity, the gaming community has been abuzz with speculation surrounding Larian Studios’ next project. Following the monumental success of Baldur’s Gate 3, the studio has confirmed that their upcoming title will be a new entry in the Divinity series—simply titled Divinity. This announcement has sparked a lively debate among fans regarding the gameplay mechanics that will define this new installment.
Gameplay Speculations
As discussions unfold, the community finds itself divided over whether Divinity will embrace a turn-based format, akin to its predecessors, or revert to the real-time mechanics of earlier titles in the franchise. The Divinity: Original Sin subreddit has become a battleground for these contrasting opinions, with some advocating for the freedom of developers to choose the best fit for the game. A particularly thoughtful comment noted, “They have done real-time before, and they were fun. Let the devs do what they think is the best fit.”
Across platforms like TikTok and YouTube, the discourse has taken on a life of its own, echoing the passionate sentiments of both turn-based enthusiasts and real-time advocates. This dichotomy is intriguing, especially considering that Larian’s previous titles, such as Divinity: Original Sin and Divinity: Original Sin 2, have established a strong foothold in the turn-based RPG genre, largely due to their critical acclaim and commercial success.
Historically, the Divinity series has traversed various gameplay styles. The earlier entries, including Beyond Divinity and Divine Divinity, primarily featured real-time mechanics. It was not until the Original Sin games that Larian shifted towards turn-based gameplay, which has since become synonymous with the brand. This evolution raises questions about the direction of the new title.
Despite the ongoing debates, there are compelling reasons to believe that Divinity will continue in the turn-based vein. Larian has explicitly referenced Original Sin 1 and Original Sin 2 in their announcement, suggesting a continuity that may extend beyond narrative elements. The studio’s commitment to the systems that have garnered them a dedicated fanbase indicates a likely alignment with the gameplay style that has brought them such acclaim.
Moreover, Larian’s transformation of the Baldur’s Gate series from real-time with pause to a turn-based format exemplifies their ability to innovate while respecting the roots of their games. This precedent further strengthens the argument for a turn-based approach in Divinity.
However, one cannot overlook the unpredictability of Larian’s creative vision. With Swen Vincke at the helm, known for his adventurous spirit, there remains a tantalizing possibility that the new title could surprise players in unexpected ways—perhaps even venturing into real-time strategy territory.
