Larian plans to host an 'ask me anything' session in the new year to clarify their use of generative AI and address recent backlash, emphasizing their commitment to responsible evaluation of new technologies and their core value of agency in game development.
The development of Baldur's Gate 3 was negatively impacted by the numerous awards the game received, requiring Larian Studios to send rotating teams to collect them, which fragmented the development team. Director Swen Vincke expressed appreciation for the awards but noted the emotional toll and disruption caused. Despite this, Larian has continued to release updates, with the final major update due in September 2024, after which the studio will move on to new projects.
Baldur's Gate 3's overwhelming success and numerous awards have begun to impact its development, prompting Larian Studios to send rotating teams to collect accolades. CEO Swen Vincke expressed the emotional toll and desire for closure, as the studio looks forward to focusing on new projects.
Larian Studios CEO Swen Vincke revealed that he had to work with embassies and consulates to relocate developers from their Russian studio to avoid them being drafted into the military after the invasion of Ukraine. The studio in St. Petersburg was closed, and over 90% of the team was moved to continue development on Baldur's Gate 3, which faced significant challenges and compromises due to the disruption.
Larian Studios CEO Swen Vincke revealed that the company considered developing a triple-A Fallout cRPG if they hadn't secured the Baldur's Gate license. Despite initial setbacks with their Baldur's Gate 3 pitch, Larian ultimately succeeded, leading to the game's acclaimed release. Fans of classic Fallout cRPGs still have alternatives like inXile's Wasteland 3 and indie titles such as Encased and ATOM RPGs.
Larian Studios' CEO Swen Vincke revealed that a "portable hole" mechanic was considered for Baldur's Gate 3 but ultimately removed due to its complexity and potential for abuse. The feature, which allowed players to throw items and characters into a bottomless pit, was deemed too challenging to implement and test effectively, leading to its exclusion from the game.
Larian Studios CEO Swen Vincke admitted that the development team for Baldur's Gate 3 had to work overtime, or "crunch," to complete the game, though it was less than for previous projects. Vincke emphasized that while some overtime is inevitable in game development, the team did not overly crunch, with employees rarely working past 8pm or on weekends. The issue of crunch remains controversial in the gaming industry, but Baldur's Gate 3 has been highly successful, earning numerous awards and a perfect score from IGN.
Larian Studios' CEO Swen Vincke revealed that the development of Baldur's Gate 3 required less crunch compared to their previous games, thanks to their global studio structure. While some overtime was necessary, it was minimal and employees were compensated, with weekend work being very rare.
Larian Studios' CEO Swen Vincke admitted that the team had to engage in some crunch while developing Baldur's Gate 3, though it was minimal and rarely required weekend work. He emphasized that overtime was compensated and that the studio's crunch was less severe compared to past projects. Additionally, Larian announced delays for the physical PS5 deluxe editions in North America and confirmed that their next game will not be related to Baldur's Gate or Dungeons and Dragons.
Baldur's Gate 3 experienced less crunch compared to Larian Studios' previous games, though some overtime was inevitable due to unforeseen challenges. Director Swen Vincke highlighted efforts to mitigate crunch, including global studio support and paid overtime, ensuring minimal late-night and weekend work.
Swen Vincke of Larian Studios clarifies his previous comments about the studio's next game, emphasizing that the "very big RPG that will dwarf them all" is not their next project. Instead, they have two big and ambitious games planned after Baldur's Gate 3. Vincke hints at a new game that will be different in tone and style from their previous work, sparking curiosity about what it could be. Additionally, he criticizes studios for laying off critical technical artists and expresses excitement about hiring them.
Larian Studios head Swen Vincke revealed that the studio will not be making DLC for Baldur's Gate 3 or developing Baldur's Gate 4, citing a lack of passion for the projects. He discussed the studio's decision-making process, the evolution of game characters, and the challenges faced during the game's development. Vincke also expressed his strong opinions on the games industry, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing game quality over short-term gains and the need for adequate resources to support ambitious projects.
Larian Studios head Swen Vincke revealed at GDC that several characters, including major villain Ketheric Thorm, were considered as companions in Baldur's Gate 3's early development, with Thorm potentially being recruitable before the game's rescope. Other cut content included locations like Candlekeep and Hell, as well as the revelation that Larian won't make Baldur's Gate 4 or any DLC for 3, but is moving onto a new project outside of the Dungeons & Dragons universe.
Larian Studios' Baldur's Gate 3 has reportedly sold around 15 million copies, surpassing the success of Divinity: Original Sin 2, but the studio has announced there won't be a DLC or sequel. Instead, they are focusing on new, ambitious projects. Larian's CEO, Swen Vincke, has expressed hopes for next-gen technology to bring his dream RPG to life, potentially incorporating features like NPC schedules, day/night cycles, and weather systems that were previously promised but never materialized.
Larian's next game will have a different tone and style from Baldur's Gate 3, but won't overshadow it, according to studio founder Swen Vincke. He clarified that the upcoming game will be "new in the sense that it is different from the things that we've done before," and addressed a misunderstanding about its size, stating that it won't be a "very big RPG that will dwarf them all." Additionally, Vincke criticized industry layoffs, citing publisher "greed" as a cause.