Baldur’s Gate 3 was a huge success that needs no introduction and, inevitably, despite the announcement of Divinity, many players were also waiting for Baldur’s Gate 4. Its studio explains today why this will not happen.
The monumental success of Baldur’s Gate 3 could have paved the way for a sequel like Baldur’s Gate 4 or a long series of expansions. Yet, Larian Studios made a radical decision. As we know, since the next game abandons the Dungeons and Dragons universe. What exactly do we know about this?
A simple reason for the absence of Baldur’s Gate 4
In fact it’s simple, the studio is abandoning the Dungeons & Dragons universe to focus again on its own license, Divinity. Larian has confirmed this for several months. There will be no nor Baldur’s Gate 4nor major additional content for Baldur’s Gate 3. The studio began to think about the sequel, but the project was ultimately abandoned along the way.
According to Vincke careboss and central figure of Larian, the main reason is neither contractual nor political. It is much more fundamental. The team was simply more excited about continuing to work with Dungeons & Dragons and therefore to make Baldur’s Gate 4.
A logical choice
In an interview given to GamesRadar+Swen Vincke is very clear. The problem did not come from success or critical reception, but from the framework imposed by Dungeons & Dragonsand more precisely of its fifth edition. The D&D system is based on extremely codified rules, designed for tabletop role-playing. Adapting them into an ambitious video game involves many concessions. Obviously, it’s complicated for Baldur’s Gate 4.
Vincke recalls that the team tested several ideas for gameplay and combat, which were ultimately abandoned because they were incompatible with the official rules. Even if these constraints were not necessarily felt by the players, they strongly limited the studio’s ability to innovate.
For Swen Vincke, creative excitement is essential. And she was no longer there when it came to extending the D&D adventure. Conversely, the studio’s current projects arouse real enthusiasm, even if it means taking more risks. Obviously that doesn’t mean that a Baldur’s Gate 4 will never exist, but it’s not on the agenda.
Source: gamesradar
