Exciting Developments in the Divinity Franchise
Larian Studios recently made waves at The Game Awards with the unexpected announcement of their latest project, Divinity, touted as their “biggest game ever.” This bold claim follows the immense success of Baldur’s Gate 3, which has set a high bar for the studio. For many longtime fans—who may have been following Larian since its early days—this reveal was a thrilling moment, reminiscent of the studio’s journey from niche RPG developer to a household name.
In the past, Larian relied heavily on crowdfunding to support its ambitious projects, such as Divinity: Original Sin 2. For those who have recently joined the gaming community through Baldur’s Gate 3, Larian’s co-founder, Swen Vincke, suggests that exploring the earlier titles in the Divinity series could enrich your understanding of the new game. “If you played the first Divinity, you will see it referenced properly inside of this Divinity,” Vincke explained, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the series’ lore.
The timeline of the Divinity series can be quite intricate. It begins with Divinity: Dragon Commander, which was released after titles like Divine Divinity and Ego Draconis, but before Original Sin and its sequel. This complexity might be daunting for newcomers, but it adds depth to the narrative landscape that Larian has crafted over the years.
For players who enjoyed the tactical combat and cooperative multiplayer elements of Baldur’s Gate 3, diving into Divinity: Original Sin 2 could be a rewarding experience, with the original Original Sin serving as a potential starting point for those eager for more. However, if your interest in Baldur’s Gate 3 stemmed primarily from its cinematic storytelling, you might find little incentive to explore the earlier games unless you have a keen interest in the lore.
Vincke candidly remarked, “If you really want to know everything, there are games that came before Original Sin. But they’re a bit outdated by now; they are quite old.” Indeed, the first entry in the series, Divine Divinity, debuted in 2002, followed by Beyond Divinity in 2004. Their age is apparent, yet both titles are currently available for under during GOG’s Winter Sale, complete with captivating soundtracks by the late Kirill Pokrovsky, making them a worthwhile investment for fans of video game music.
In the words of Divinity enthusiast Ted Litchfield, the original games cater to “the true sickos.” For those willing to embrace the challenge, enjoying the music while consulting a timeline may be the best approach to navigating the rich history of the Divinity universe.
