Larian CEO Insists WIZARDS NOT RESPONSIBLE for Baldur’s Gate 3 Departure

In a recent turn of events, Larian Studios has announced that they will not produce any DLC or expansions for the highly successful Baldur's Gate 3, nor will there be a Baldur’s Gate 4. Despite speculation from the community, Swen Vincke of Larian Studios insists that Wizards of the Coast, the owners of Dungeons & Dragons, should not be blamed for this decision. Hasbro, which owns Wizards of the Coast, responded by highlighting Larian as a superb partner and teasing future D&D games in collaboration with various partners.

Baldur’s Gate 3 has been a financial triumph, generating around $90 million, amidst Hasbro's company-wide revenue declines and layoffs. The layoffs affected numerous Wizards of the Coast staff, many of whom were involved in the development of Baldur’s Gate 3. Vincke expressed his sympathy, remarking on the harsh reality that few of the original team members remain. However, he emphasizes that Larian's new direction is based on the studio's heartfelt passion and best interests, not external pressures.

Meanwhile, the fate of the Baldur’s Gate franchise hangs in the balance as Hasbro contemplates a new developer to maintain the series. As Larian shifts focus, Wizards of the Coast holds the future of Baldur’s Gate 3 and its characters. In related news, various studios, including Gameloft Montreal and Starbreeze, are developing their own unique D&D experiences, bringing the magic of the universe to life in new forms. Vincke has expressed trust in Wizards of the Coast to honor the importance of the characters and community as the series moves forward.

What does Larian Studios’ departure from the Baldur's Gate series mean for the franchise's future?

Larian Studios' departure opens the path for new developers to take over the Baldur's Gate franchise. While Larian moves on to different projects, Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast control the future of the series and its characters. The Baldur’s Gate legacy will continue, albeit under different guidance and potentially with fresh creative visions.

Baldur's Gate 3 was the third installment in the critically acclaimed RPG series that began in 1998. Developed by BioWare, the original Baldur's Gate helped shape the computer RPG genre, combining deep storytelling with Dungeons & Dragons mechanics. Larian Studios, known for their work on the Divinity series, took the helm for the third entry, which expanded upon the rich fantasy world and introduced a new narrative built on the D&D 5th Edition ruleset. The game's success further cemented Larian's reputation as a leading RPG developer and injected new life into the classic franchise. With Larian Studios moving away from the series, fans are eager to see how the Baldur's Gate universe will evolve under new stewardship and creativity.