Baldur's Gate 3 Sales Exceed 20 Million, Fuelling Larian's Next Ambitious RPG

Baldur's Gate 3 Shatters Expectations: Over 20 Million Copies Sold Fuels Larian's Ambitious Future

In a monumental announcement that reverberated through the gaming world, Larian Studios founder and CEO Swen Vincke revealed that their critically acclaimed RPG, Baldur's Gate 3, has surpassed an astonishing 20 million copies sold. This remarkable figure, disclosed in a candid conversation prior to The Game Awards, solidifies the game's status as one of the most successful role-playing games of all time and marks a triumphant milestone for the Belgian studio, established way back in 1996.

The Dungeons & Dragons-inspired masterpiece, which swept numerous accolades including Game of the Year awards, has not only captivated millions of players but has also granted Larian the invaluable financial freedom to embark on their next grand endeavor: a new, even more expansive installment in their beloved Divinity series.

A Bold Pivot: From D&D to a New Divinity Frontier

During The Game Awards, Larian Studios confirmed their return to their original, dark fantasy universe. This strategic shift away from further Dungeons & Dragons projects, though initially considered, ultimately stemmed from a creative realignment. Vincke explained that the team spent months conceptualizing a new D&D game, but the spark, the essential passion, simply wasn't there. "Conceptually, all the ingredients for a truly great game were present, except for the hearts of the developers," he candidly admitted. This willingness to pivot when creative enthusiasm wanes is a hallmark of Larian's development philosophy, a trait also seen in their approach to Baldur's Gate 3.

The upcoming Divinity title is slated for an early access release, a familiar and successful launch strategy for Larian. However, players should temper their expectations for a 2026 debut, as the studio is focusing on a more sustainable development cycle. "I think this will be our liberation," Vincke stated, describing the new project as a turn-based RPG that builds upon their established strengths, "but now taken to the next level."

Rethinking Systems and Embracing Innovation

One of the key reasons for stepping away from the Dungeons & Dragons system was its inherent complexity in adaptation to the video game medium. For their new project, Larian is forging a bespoke system designed for greater clarity and ease of understanding. This internal innovation extends to their technological foundation as well; the studio has transitioned to a new engine. While this transition has presented its share of technical hurdles, the team is confident that the long-term benefits will be substantial. The goal is to create a more fluid and expansive world, further amplifying the cinematic storytelling that became a cornerstone of Baldur's Gate 3's immense appeal.

Larian is also proactively working to streamline their development cycles. Baldur's Gate 3's six-year development was significantly impacted by the project's sheer scope and the unforeseen challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. For the new Divinity, they are targeting a more focused three-to-four-year window, a timeframe they believe is "much more beneficial than six years." This efficiency allows for greater resource allocation towards narrative experimentation, a core tenet of Larian's design. The studio intends to push the boundaries of player choice, offering stories that diverge dramatically based on in-game decisions.

AI as a Tool, Not a Crutch, and a Growing Global Presence

In a nod to contemporary development trends, Larian is cautiously integrating generative artificial intelligence into the Divinity development pipeline, albeit in a strictly limited capacity. Crucially, the game itself will not feature any AI-generated content; all narrative and creative elements will be meticulously crafted by the human team. AI tools are being employed for tasks such as idea exploration, concept art generation, and the creation of placeholder texts, serving as aids to the creative process rather than replacements. This approach underscores Larian's commitment to maintaining the handcrafted quality and unique artistic vision that defines their games.

Currently, Larian Studios boasts a workforce of 530 employees across seven offices spanning Europe, North America, and Asia. The studio remains fiercely independent, with Vincke and his wife holding the majority of shares. Chinese tech giant Tencent holds a minority stake and has a representative on the board, but exerts no influence over the day-to-day operations, ensuring Larian's creative autonomy.

As a final note for dedicated fans, Baldur's Gate 3 recently received a substantial final patch, introducing much-requested mod support, new classes, and crossplay functionality. Since its release, players have downloaded over 350 million mods, a testament to the game's enduring community engagement and the creative freedom it offers.