In a recent conversation with GameSpot, Larian Studios’ founder and CEO, Swen Vincke, shared insights into the studio’s future endeavors and the ongoing evolution of its development process. After an extensive eight-year journey with Baldur’s Gate 3, Larian aims to conclude this chapter with a flourish, particularly through the anticipated Patch Eight, which promises exciting new features before the reins are handed over to the modding community.
While Larian will remain available for bug fixes and compatibility support, Vincke hinted at the potential for unexpected surprises in the future, emphasizing a “never say never” attitude.
Future Aspirations and Development Philosophy
Vincke’s reflections on the development landscape resonate with the experiences of other studios, particularly in light of recent challenges faced by peers like BioWare and Studio ZA/UM. The latter’s decision to bypass essential pre-production phases reportedly contributed to the cancellation of a Disco Elysium expansion, highlighting the risks associated with hastening development timelines.
In contrast, Larian’s approach mirrors that of Obsidian Entertainment, albeit on a grander scale. Obsidian has successfully maintained a disciplined scope for its projects while juggling multiple titles, resulting in a remarkable output of quality games. As Vincke noted, the hope is to establish a similar rhythm at Larian, allowing for a steady stream of releases without compromising the well-being of the team.
Vincke expressed optimism about the future, stating, “I hope I can tell you five years from now: We cracked it. We figured it out.” He envisions a scenario where Larian can produce a variety of innovative RPGs simultaneously, with each project distinctly different from the last. However, he candidly acknowledged the unpredictability of the process, admitting that challenges are likely to arise along the way.
Amidst the excitement of new projects, there remains a playful speculation about the possibility of sequels to beloved titles, such as “Divinity: Original Sin 3” or a new iteration simply titled “Divinity 3.” With a tentative timeline set for around 2030, Vincke humorously remarked that he might face personal consequences if the timeline extends too far beyond expectations, underscoring the balance between ambition and reality in the gaming industry.
