Larian Studios, renowned for their immersive role-playing games, has shared an exciting glimpse into their future endeavors in a festive video message to their global fanbase. The video, which features greetings from various Larian offices around the world, including locations in Kuala Lumpur, Warsaw, Ghent, Barcelona, Guildford, Dublin, and Quebec, sets a warm holiday tone while hinting at what’s to come.
In the video, Senior Communications Developer Aoife Wilson presents what she describes as a significant gift tagged ‘Larian’s Next Game.’ However, before she can reveal more, Larian’s CEO, Swen Vincke, humorously intervenes, playfully asserting that the project requires much more development time. He emphasizes that when it is finally ready, it will be ‘so big’ that fans will need to exercise patience.
Vincke’s light-hearted antics, which include kicking the mysterious package away, come as a surprise to many, especially given the recent success of their critically acclaimed game, Baldur’s Gate 3, released in August 2023. Following that launch, the studio confirmed in March that they would not be pursuing downloadable content (DLC) or a sequel, further raising expectations for their next title.
Interestingly, Vincke had previously hinted that the next game could potentially be released as late as 2029. Although he later clarified that this was a casual remark and that Larian does not want to be tied down to a specific release date, it is evident that significant development time is necessary. The lengthy development cycle of Baldur’s Gate 3, which was announced ahead of E3 2019 and took over four years to launch from early access, sets a precedent for the studio’s ambitious projects.
The early teasing of their next game may suggest that Larian is considering an early access model for this upcoming title. While this approach may not expedite the full launch, it could allow players to experience an initial version of the game sooner, potentially within the next two to three years.
In the meantime, Larian fans can engage with the studio’s Advent Calendar Web game, which offers a fun way to celebrate the holiday season. Additionally, Larian has plans for a significant update for Baldur’s Gate 3 in the coming year, which will introduce cross-play for cooperative multiplayer, a new Photo Mode, and twelve new subclasses, enhancing the already rich gameplay experience.
As the gaming community eagerly anticipates Larian’s next big project, the studio’s commitment to quality and immersive storytelling remains evident. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates as Larian continues to develop their next ambitious title.
