Larian Studios’ Next Big Adventure: What We Know So Far
Key Takeaways:
- Larian Studios, the developer behind Baldur’s Gate 3, is hinting at its next massive RPG, though it remains tightly under wraps.
- Fans are treated to a playful Advent calendar packed with puzzles, art, and holiday cheer while they wait.
- Based on Baldur’s Gate 3’s unprecedented success, Larian is poised to create an even bigger RPG experience for its next project.
Larian Studios, the creative masterminds behind Baldur’s Gate 3, have been on a meteoric rise, redefining what role-playing games (RPGs) can achieve. But if you’re already wondering what’s next from this award-winning studio, prepare to sit tight. While they’ve offered a cheeky tease of their next project, Larian is clear about one thing: their upcoming game isn’t ready to be revealed just yet.
In true Larian fashion, however, they’ve kept fans engaged and entertained with their annual holiday Advent calendar. Full of puzzles, stunning art, and a sprinkling of festive humor, this distraction offers a delightful way to count down to Christmas while leaving everyone guessing about the studio’s future.
If you’re a fan of epic, sprawling RPGs, Larian’s next title might just blow your expectations out of the water. Here’s everything we know about their upcoming game, their holiday calendar, and what might be on the horizon for this powerhouse developer.
Larian Studios Teases Its Next Game
Let’s cut to the chase: Larian Studios has confirmed that their next game exists, but that’s pretty much all they’re ready to say right now. CEO Swen Vincke, in a tongue-in-cheek holiday video, made it clear that the project is still deep in development.
The playful teaser came in the form of a wrapped present labeled “Larian’s Next Game.” In the video, senior communications developer Aoife Wilson pulls the package into view, only for Vincke to dramatically tackle her out of the way before exclaiming, “It needs a lot more time in the oven.” He adds with a grin, “By the time it’s finished, it’s going to be so big.”
This quick moment encapsulates Larian’s charm, but also reflects their ambition. Coming off the wild success of Baldur’s Gate 3, Larian seems determined to raise the bar even higher with their next project.
The Advent Calendar: A Winter Treat for Fans
While details about their new game remain under lock and key, Larian is giving fans something fun to enjoy during the holidays. The studio’s Advent calendar is a 12-day celebration featuring puzzles, artwork, music, and more. Each day unlocks a new piece of content, creating a festive experience that feels like a warm gift to the RPG community.
What’s Inside the Calendar So Far?
So far, the activities have included simple but enjoyable jigsaw puzzles that reveal artwork from Larian’s games. One early puzzle featured the Shadow-Cursed Lands from Baldur’s Gate 3, offering a closer look at the lore behind this eerie region.
But don’t get too excited none of the content in the Advent calendar offers clues about Larian’s next game. Instead, the calendar is meant to celebrate the studio’s past work and spread some holiday cheer. Think of it as a digital stocking stuffer for fans who are still basking in the glow of Baldur’s Gate 3’s success.
Why the Wait for Larian’s Next Game?
If you’re wondering why Larian isn’t ready to reveal their next project, the answer is simple: Baldur’s Gate 3 was a massive undertaking, and the team is still riding high on its success. Released in its full version last year, Baldur’s Gate 3 set a new standard for RPGs with its sprawling world, rich storytelling, and jaw-dropping level of player freedom.
A Commitment to Quality
Larian isn’t a studio that rushes games to market. In fact, Vincke has joked in the past about being “bad at judging the length of our games.” With Baldur’s Gate 3, the team went above and beyond to create a game that could stand the test of time, even cutting entire regions and content to ensure the final product was polished and cohesive.
It’s safe to assume the same philosophy applies to their next project. As Vincke hinted in the teaser video, the game will be “so big” that it needs more time in development. And given Baldur’s Gate 3’s monstrous scope (easily exceeding 100+ hours of gameplay), Larian’s next game could push the boundaries of what RPGs are capable of.
What Could Larian’s Next Game Be?
While Larian has stayed tight-lipped about their next project, there’s plenty of speculation swirling among fans. Here are a few possibilities:
1. A New Original IP
Larian’s breakout success came with Divinity: Original Sin and its sequel, both of which featured original worlds and characters. With Baldur’s Gate 3 firmly establishing their ability to handle existing franchises, the studio might be eager to return to creating something entirely new.
2. A Continuation of the Divinity Universe
Could we see a Divinity: Original Sin 3? Fans of the series have been clamoring for another installment, and Larian has never ruled out the possibility. Returning to Rivellon, the rich world they created for the Divinity series, would be a welcome move for longtime fans.
3. Another Beloved Franchise
After their incredible work on Baldur’s Gate 3, it’s not hard to imagine Larian tackling another beloved RPG franchise. While nothing has been announced, their proven track record could open doors to working on other major IPs in the future.
Why Baldur’s Gate 3’s Success Matters
The success of Baldur’s Gate 3 has given Larian Studios the resources and creative freedom to dream big. The game was a critical and commercial hit, earning rave reviews for its deep storytelling, complex characters, and innovative mechanics.
This level of success means Larian is no longer constrained by financial limitations. They now have the budget, talent, and technology to create something even more ambitious than Baldur’s Gate 3. In the words of Vincke, “The machine is meant to make large games,” and the studio seems eager to deliver on that promise.
Final Thoughts
Larian Studios is keeping fans on their toes with playful teases and engaging content like their Advent calendar, but the real excitement lies in what’s to come. Their next game promises to be a monumental RPG, building on the lessons and success of Baldur’s Gate 3.
As we wait for more details, one thing is clear: Larian isn’t just making games they’re redefining what the genre can be. Whether their next project is a new IP, a return to Rivellon, or something entirely unexpected, it’s bound to be a game that sets a new benchmark for RPGs.
FAQ
1. When will Larian reveal their next game?
Larian has not announced a timeline for revealing their next game. For now, they’re focusing on celebrating the holidays with their Advent calendar and continuing to support Baldur’s Gate 3 with updates.
2. Is the Advent calendar connected to Larian’s next project?
No, the Advent calendar is purely a holiday-themed celebration. It’s a fun way for fans to enjoy puzzles and artwork from Larian’s existing games, but it doesn’t contain any hints about the next game.
3. Will Larian’s next game be bigger than Baldur’s Gate 3?
Based on comments from CEO Swen Vincke, it’s likely that Larian’s next game will be even more ambitious than Baldur’s Gate 3. The studio has the resources and expertise to create a truly massive RPG experience.
4. Could we see a Divinity: Original Sin 3?
While nothing has been confirmed, it’s always a possibility. Fans of the Divinity series have been vocal about wanting another installment, and Larian has expressed interest in returning to the franchise someday.
5. What made Baldur’s Gate 3 so successful?
Baldur’s Gate 3 was praised for its deep storytelling, immersive world, and unprecedented player freedom. It also pushed the boundaries of RPG mechanics, offering choices and consequences that felt meaningful and impactful.
