As fans of Baldur’s Gate 3 eagerly anticipate the imminent Patch 8 update, developer Larian Studios is already shifting its focus to a new project. Renowned for its rich history in creating role-playing games, Larian achieved notable success with titles such as Divinity: Original Sin and its sequel prior to the explosive popularity of Baldur’s Gate 3 in 2023. The studio aims to leverage this momentum for its upcoming release, although it has confirmed that this endeavor will not be a sequel to Baldur’s Gate 4.
Larian Studios Prepares for Next Chapter
Larian Studios has publicly announced that the entirety of its “full attention is focused on crafting their next title,”marking the beginning of a “media blackout”regarding the development progress. In a statement shared with VideoGamer, the studio hinted that very little information is currently available about their clandestine project, codenamed “Excalibur.”As it stands, the game is likely still in its early stages of production, and Larian may have yet to finalize its creative direction.
The Silence on the Horizon
After more than a year of extensive post-launch support for Baldur’s Gate 3, which has rapidly established itself as a flagship title within the gaming industry, Larian’s decision to remain silent seems sensible—especially as support for BG3 begins to taper off. Fans yearning for insights on the studio’s new direction will likely face an extended wait, not only for official announcements but also for the eventual launch of what Larian has in store.
Historically, the gap between releases has been significant; for instance, it took approximately three years from the launch of Divinity: Original Sin 2 to the announcement of Baldur’s Gate 3. Following that, another year elapsed before BG3 entered Early Access, and yet three additional years passed before its full release. Various external factors, including the impact of the COVID pandemic, contributed to these timelines. In today’s gaming landscape, the development of AAA titles often extends over lengthy periods; consequently, even if Larian’s next project is more modest in scope than Baldur’s Gate 3, it may still be years away from seeing the light of day.
Potential for Success in Larian’s Next Game
The Weight of Expectations
Following the success of Baldur’s Gate 3, Larian Studios has a significant mountain to climb in terms of expectations for its next game. The studio is not untested—its experience with the acclaimed BG3 provides a sturdy foundation that could benefit future endeavors. However, questions remain about the nature of this new title. While Larian’s recent releases have focused on CRPGs, the studio has a history of developing action RPGs and RTS games.
Although it’s premature to speculate about the specifics of the “Excalibur”project, there exists a potential for its announcement to surprise followers familiar only with Larian’s more recent work, such as BG3 or Divinity: Original Sin. Fans should temper their expectations; it’s unlikely that any details will surface before 2025, possibly even later. Yet, the anticipation surrounding Larian Studios’ next project, following their landmark success with Baldur’s Gate 3, remains a tantalizing prospect.
Source: VideoGamer
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