Baldur's Gate 4 Was Playable But Ultimately Abandoned by Larian

Larian Studios, creators of the 2023 Game of the Year, Baldur's Gate 3, have revealed intriguing details about a project they ultimately abandoned.

A Playable Baldur's Gate 3 Sequel—Then Shelved

Larian's Decision to Forgo BG3 DLC and BG4

In a recent interview with PC Gamer, Larian Studios CEO Swen Vincke disclosed that a Baldur's Gate 3 sequel was in development, reaching a playable state before its cancellation. Vincke stated it was a project fans "would have liked," but after years immersed in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, the team felt creatively burnt out. The prospect of potentially another three years of development, potentially requiring numerous reworks, proved unappealing. The studio prioritized pursuing original concepts.

High Morale at Larian Studios Fuels New Projects

Vincke emphasized the team's renewed energy after deciding against Baldur's Gate 4. The decision, he explained, fostered a significant boost in morale, freeing the team to pursue their own creative visions. Senior product manager Tom Butler confirmed the team would focus on patching BG3, take a well-deserved break, and then move on to new projects. Both Baldur's Gate 4 and planned Baldur's Gate 3 expansion were shelved for similar reasons. Larian is now concentrating on two undisclosed projects, which Vincke described as their most ambitious yet.

Given Larian's history with the Divinity series, speculation points towards a new entry in that franchise. While a Divinity: Original Sin 3 was previously hinted at, Vincke clarified that their next Divinity project will be unexpected.

Meanwhile, Baldur's Gate 3's final major patch, slated for Fall 2024, will introduce mod support, cross-play, and new evil endings.