Larian discusses Baldur’s Gate 3, new era, and unknown games
Larian discusses Baldur's Gate 3, new era, and unknown games
Baldur’s Gate 3: A Box of Chocolates That Never Runs Out
I recently had the chance to experience some surprising sides of Baldur’s Gate 3 during a launch event for the game. I discovered a horror element that reminded me of Silent Hill, as I explored an eerie Victorian-style hospital filled with nurses with rotten faces, and a grotesque surgeon with scalpels for fingers. The game also introduced the Dark Urge origin, which allows players to embrace their inner darkness. However, be warned, it’s not recommended for beginners, as it can lead to some truly horrendous actions. I actually ended up killing a major companion early on, and they’re permanently gone from my playthrough. But hey, I loved every minute of it!
What’s amazing about Baldur’s Gate 3 is that, even after being in early access for nearly three years, there’s still so much we don’t know about the game. We’ve only seen one act out of the three, with the second act taking a dark and twisted turn, and the third act bringing players to the iconic city of Baldur’s Gate itself. The level of depth and complexity is mind-boggling. There’s even an in-game newspaper that reacts to your actions and interviews. Talk about immersive storytelling!
Baldur’s Gate 3 is a colossal project, and it’s surprising to learn that around 400 people have worked on it. To put that into perspective, Divinity: Original Sin, released in 2014, was created with fewer than 50 people. This is a testament to the growth and success of Belgian company Larian, which now has studios all around the world. It’s incredible to see the evolution of Larian, and with Baldur’s Gate 3, they are on the verge of becoming one of the most well-known role-playing game studios alongside the likes of BioWare, CD Projekt Red, and Bethesda Game Studios.
I had the opportunity to sit down with Swen Vincke, the founder of Larian, and have a candid conversation about the studio’s history and the origins of Baldur’s Gate 3. It was clear that they are both nervous and excited about the upcoming launch. With a game of this magnitude, there are always unexpected quirks and challenges that arise. But despite the nerves, they are incredibly proud of what the team has accomplished. They have successfully combined the cinematic experience of a triple-A RPG with the freedom and complexity of their previous games. It’s an impressive achievement, and you can feel the passion and dedication that went into making Baldur’s Gate 3 a reality.
One topic that came up during our conversation was crunch, which has become a hot topic in the gaming industry. While Larian has put in overtime leading up to the launch, they have actively implemented measures to prevent excessive crunch. They understand the importance of work-life balance and strive to create a healthy work environment for their team. Of course, unexpected challenges may arise that require additional effort, but they are committed to managing crunch responsibly.
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When discussing the future of Larian and the potential comparison to CD Projekt Red, Swen Vincke remained humble and cautious. The success of Baldur’s Gate 3 will determine the studio’s next steps. They have plans in place, but ultimately, they need to see how the market reacts and what opportunities arise. As with any industry, there are risks and uncertainties, but Larian is ready to adapt and innovate based on the reception and success of their games.
Reflecting on Larian’s journey, it’s fascinating to see how they started as a small team working on canceled projects to becoming a renowned studio with a dedicated fan base. Their love for turn-based games, particularly inspired by classics like Ultima 7, has shaped their identity as developers. While they have found success in this genre, they are open to exploring new ideas and approaches in the future. The key is to stay true to their vision and deliver exceptional gaming experiences.
As for what comes next after Baldur’s Gate 3, only time will tell. Larian remains committed to their core principles of storytelling, system-driven gameplay, and multiplayer experiences. Whether it’s another turn-based game or a different genre altogether, one thing is certain – Larian will continue to surprise and delight gamers with their unique and innovative creations.
