As Baldur's Gate 3 approaches its final major update after a celebrated two-year journey, the creative minds at Larian Studios are already looking toward the horizon. Creative director Swen Vincke, along with much of the studio, has shifted its focus entirely to the next chapter. Vincke recently reflected on the studio's remarkable path, acknowledging the incredible journey so far but emphasizing that the story is far from over. In a message to fans, he hinted at future endeavors while expressing a hopeful desire to avoid the 'dark night of the soul' moments that have marked parts of the studio's past. This transition marks a pivotal moment for the developer, moving from the monumental success of a Dungeons & Dragons-based epic to forging its own destiny.

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The Next Project Takes Flight 🚀

The studio revealed in mid-2024 that its new game was about to 'lift off,' with early development stages just beginning. This announcement clarified a crucial point: the project is not another Dungeons & Dragons title. Larian has explicitly stated its intention to develop its own intellectual properties, moving beyond licensed worlds to create something wholly its own. This strategic shift opens up a universe of possibilities. Speculation runs wild among the community—could it be a brand-new franchise, a long-awaited sequel to Divinity: Original Sin 2, or perhaps something that blends elements of both? The studio's history of deep, systemic RPGs suggests that whatever comes next will be built with the same philosophy of player freedom and narrative depth that defined their previous hits.

Not One, But Two Ambitious RPGs in the Oven 👨‍🍳

Interestingly, Larian Studios is not working on just one new game; it has two major RPG projects currently in development. This expansion in scope necessitated growth, leading the studio to open its seventh development location in Warsaw, Poland, last year. The studio has been characteristically tight-lipped about details, describing both projects only as 'very ambitious RPGs.' Their message to eager fans has been a simple and direct: 'let us cook.' This phrase has become a mantra, asking for patience and trust as the team works on these new worlds.

What do we not know about these twin projects? Practically everything else remains shrouded in mystery:

  • The Settings: Are they high fantasy, sci-fi, or something entirely different?

  • The Stories: What new narratives will they weave?

  • The Release Strategy: Will they follow the successful Early Access model of Divinity: Original Sin 2 and Baldur's Gate 3?

For now, all these questions are unanswered, fueling anticipation and discussion within the RPG community.

A Deliberate Media Blackout for Focus 🔒

Fans hoping for a steady drip of news or teasers will need to temper their expectations. Larian has officially entered what it calls a 'media blackout' period. The studio confirmed that its 'full attention is focused' on the next game, meaning official updates will be scarce for the foreseeable future. This radio silence is a deliberate choice, allowing the teams across all seven studios to work without distraction. Vincke even humorously noted on social media that he's 'pretty sure someone else is working on the next rung of the infinite ladder of RPG dev,' a nod to the ongoing work happening behind the scenes while the public face of the studio goes quiet.

What This Means for the Future of RPGs

Larian's move to develop its own IPs is a significant moment for the role-playing game genre. After proving its mastery with the Divinity series and then delivering what many consider a genre-defining masterpiece with Baldur's Gate 3, the studio has earned unparalleled goodwill and attention. Their commitment to ambitious, player-driven experiences sets a high bar. The fact that they are doubling down with two simultaneous projects suggests a confidence and creative energy that is rare in the industry. While the wait for concrete information may be long, the studio's track record provides a strong foundation for belief. Their journey from near-bankruptcy to the peak of critical acclaim is a testament to their resilience and vision. As they turn the page from Baldur's Gate, the entire gaming world watches with bated breath to see what worlds they will build next. The ladder of RPG development is indeed infinite, and Larian Studios is poised to climb even higher.