Baldur’s Gate 3 CEO Fights to Relocate Developers Amid Crisis

Swen Vincke, the CEO of Baldur’s Gate 3 developer Larian Studios, found himself in a difficult situation when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. With development on Baldur’s Gate 3 well underway at the company’s studio in St. Petersburg, Vincke had to make some tough choices when the war began.

Vincke reveals that he had already considered the possibility of having to relocate developers in the event of such a crisis. When the decision to close the St. Petersburg studio was made, he knew that it was the right call. The immediate action was necessary to ensure the safety of the team and to prevent them from being drafted into the military.

More than 90% of the team at the St. Petersburg studio was successfully relocated to avoid any potential draft. This required Larian to work quickly with embassies and consulates to get the staff out of Russia. The urgency of the situation meant that the developers needed to be moved promptly to continue their work on Baldur’s Gate 3.

Vincke emphasizes that the decision to close the studio and relocate the team was not just about avoiding military conscription – it was also crucial for the game development process. In an RPG like Baldur’s Gate 3, where every detail is interconnected, disrupting the team’s work would have had serious consequences. Vincke explains that any interruptions in the development process could cause the entire project to collapse.

The aftermath of the studio closure had a lasting impact on the development of Baldur’s Gate 3. Vincke describes the ripple effect that extended for nearly 18 months, leading to compromises and cuts in the final product. The challenges faced by Larian during this period underscore the difficulties of navigating a crisis while maintaining the quality of a complex game like Baldur’s Gate 3.

Swen Vincke’s experience highlights the resilience and resourcefulness required to overcome unexpected obstacles in the world of game development. The CEO’s determination to prioritize the well-being of his team while also safeguarding the future of Baldur’s Gate 3 is a testament to his leadership and commitment to the project.