Summary
Larian Studios has become one of the hottest developers in the industry after the massive success ofBaldur’s Gate 3earned the title multiple Game of the Year awards and garnered a new set of fans eager to see what the developer does next. WhileBaldur’s Gate 3continued the classic CRPG series based on theDungeons and DragonsIP, Larian had initially earned notoriety from theirDivinity: Original Sintitles that expanded the universe of the developer’sDivinityseries. However, now thatBaldur’s Gate 3has become Larian’s latest claim to fame, fans awaiting news aboutDivinity: Original Sin 3may have to be patient for some time.
Although theDivinityseries dates back to 2002 with the release ofDivine Divinity, the series was really propelled into the mainstream with the release ofDivinity: Original Sinin 2014, and its sequel in 2017. Despite not quite reaching the same levels of popularity asBaldur’s Gate 3,Divinity: Original Sin 2was still critically acclaimedand laid the groundwork forBaldur’s Gate 3’s success. However, now thatBaldur’s Gate 3has been released, some fans are hoping to see a return to theDivinityseries withDivinity: Original Sin 3.
Baldur’s Gate 3’s Success Puts Divinity: Original Sin 3 Between a Rock and a Hard Place
There are a lot of directions Larian can go with its next projects now thatBaldur’s Gate 3has helped elevate the developer to new heights. It would make sense for Larian to capitalize on the recognizability of theBaldur’s GateIP and expandBaldur’s Gate 3with DLC or even begin development onBaldur’s Gate 4. While Larian has shown that it is committed to player-first experiences, Wizards of the Coast, the IP holder forDungeons and Dragons, might want the developer to continue their focus onBaldur’s Gatewhile the series is in the mainstream spotlight.
However, a shift towards focusing on expanding theBaldur’s Gateseries could leave fans of theDivinityseries in limbo waiting for the next entry in a series that has been put on the back burner. On the other hand, prioritizingDivinity: Original Sin 3as the developer’s next title could help get more attention on the lesser-known franchise, and Larian could take thelessons learned fromBaldur’s Gate 3’s successto craft an even better entry in theDivinityseries. There would likely still be some crossover between the two series' fan bases, given that the two share some similar mechanics, potentially settingDivinity: Original Sin 3to be as successful asBaldur’s Gate 3.
Divinity: Original Sin 3 is Likely Still a Ways Off
Regardless of what direction Larian Studios takes with its next project, fans waiting forDivinity: Original Sin 3will likely have to wait a little while longer. Larian founder Swen Wicke has commented on the future of theDivinityseries, stating thatDivinity: Original Sin 3is going to happen, but the team will be taking a much-needed break afterBaldur’s Gate 3. The talented developers at Larian definitely deserve a break after the back-to-back releases ofDivinity: Original Sin 2andBaldur’s Gate 3, but this does mean fans are likely looking at a longer development time forDivinity: Original Sin 3.
Recent job listings suggest thatLarian is expanding its team after the success ofBaldur’s Gate 3, which likely opened new opportunities for growth. Part of this expansion could be the developer preparing to juggle bothBaldur’s GateandDivinity: Original Sin 3, allowing for some teams to work on future DLC forBaldur’s Gate 3while work begins onDivinity: Original Sin 3simultaneously. Although none of Larian’s future plans have been confirmed, they will likely include further development of both of these series.
