Larian Studios Shifts Focus to New Game, Enforces Media Blackout

Larian Studios, the developers behind the critically acclaimed Baldur’s Gate 3, have announced a significant shift in focus towards their next project, implementing a "media blackout" for the foreseeable future. This move comes as the studio prepares to release the much-anticipated Patch 8 for Baldur’s Gate 3 later this year, but their primary attention is now dedicated to crafting a new, undisclosed game.

Swen Vincke, the head of Larian, recently took to social media to reflect on the studio's journey, highlighting the immense success of Baldur’s Gate 3. "But the story ain't over yet," Vincke teased, hinting at exciting developments on the horizon. In a statement to VideoGamer, Larian confirmed that Vincke and the entire team are fully committed to their next title, marking a departure from the Dungeons & Dragons universe.

While details about the new game remain under wraps, it’s clear that it will not be a sequel to Baldur’s Gate 3 or another D&D game. Larian's decision to move away from a potential follow-up to Baldur’s Gate 3 stemmed from a lack of internal enthusiasm for such a project. Instead, the studio is eager to explore fresh creative territory.

Back in November 2023, Vincke hinted at the studio's next big project, expressing excitement and a desire to push boundaries. Earlier, in July 2023, Vincke mentioned the possibility of returning to the Divinity: Original Sin series, though he emphasized the need for a creative break after completing Baldur’s Gate 3. "It's our own universe we built, so we're definitely gonna get back there at some point," Vincke assured fans, acknowledging the dedication of the 400 developers who poured their hearts and souls into Baldur’s Gate 3.

With Larian's history rooted in fantasy RPGs, speculation abounds about the nature of their next game. Could it be a venture into science fiction, a modern-day setting, or even a completely new genre? While the possibilities are endless, it seems fans will have to wait—potentially years—before learning more about what Larian has in store.