05/08/2024 Joe Miller 1103
What a ride it's been with Baldur's Gate 3, right? It feels like just yesterday we were anxiously awaiting the release of the long-awaited sequel to Shadows of Amn. Now, a year post-launch, Baldur's Gate 3 has not only redefined the RPG genre but also become a staple in gaming conversations everywhere. And with the final patch on the horizon, Larian Studios seems ready to close this chapter and dive into something new.
Larian has big plans for the future, and they’re already giving us a taste of what’s to come. They’ve launched a new “community-focused” YouTube channel, dubbed "The Channel From Hell," as part of their anniversary celebration. While the channel is still empty, Larian has promised that content is coming soon, likely showcasing the wild mods that will emerge following the release of Patch 7’s modding toolkit. There’s even speculation that they might feature a segment dedicated to fan creations—“thirstposts of the week,” anyone?
But that’s not all. Larian is hard at work on two new, ambitious RPGs. Back in May, the studio expanded with a new office in Warsaw, Poland, adding to their 24-hour development cycle. CEO Swen Vincke shared that the goal for the Polish studio is straightforward: build a team that can tackle these large-scale projects and enjoy the creative process.
In a recent interview with PC Gamer, Vincke revealed that the team knows exactly what they want from their gameplay systems and how to push boundaries in the RPG genre. This approach, heavily influenced by their experience with Baldur's Gate 3, is only possible because of Larian’s independence. Without shareholders or publishers to answer to, they have the freedom to pursue creative ideas without restraint.
Vincke’s comments highlight how this newfound freedom is invigorating the team. Reflecting on the move away from the Dungeons & Dragons setting, he expressed how liberating it is for the developers. “Morale is super high,” Vincke told PC Gamer, “just because we're doing new stuff again. We're doing our own thing again, we're not rehashing, we're not trying to convert rules from 50 years ago into something new.”
While some fans might have been hoping for a Throne of Bhaal-style expansion for Baldur’s Gate 3, it’s clear that Larian is ready to blaze a new trail. Their excitement for these upcoming projects is palpable, and it’s an exciting time to be a fan of the studio.
As we look forward to Larian’s next moves, it’s thrilling to see a team that’s not just resting on their laurels but is genuinely excited about what’s next. Keep an eye on The Channel From Hell for more updates and prepare for whatever Larian has in store. The future is bright, and Larian is ready to lead the charge.
10/10/2024 613
08/10/2024 330
06/10/2024 970
04/10/2024 487
02/10/2024 263
05/08/2024 1103
02/09/2024 1050
02/08/2024 1046
31/08/2024 1001
21/08/2024 999