The Evolution of Larian Studios: From Humble Beginnings to Success

Larian Studios, known for their popular games like Baldur’s Gate 3, has come a long way from their humble beginnings. In a recent interview with PC Gamer, Larian CEO Swen Vincke discussed the studio’s evolution over the years. He revealed that during the time of Divinity: Original Sin, the team was very small, with only about 40 developers working on the game. However, after the success of Baldur’s Gate 3, the studio has expanded significantly, now boasting close to 500 employees across seven different studios.

Vincke emphasized the importance of getting the combat right in their games, especially when it came to multiplayer functionality. He believed that this was a key factor in the success of their games. In the past, the team had to prioritize certain aspects of their games due to their limited resources. However, with the financial success of Baldur’s Gate 3, Larian Studios can now afford to dedicate more time and resources to developing engaging storylines and memorable characters.

Vincke admitted that in the early days, the story in games like Divinity: Original Sin felt “tacked on” and rushed, as it was developed in a matter of days. However, the success of their crowdfunded games allowed the team to learn from their mistakes and focus on creating more immersive and well-developed narratives. This is evident in the extensive early access period for Baldur’s Gate 3, where the team spent years refining the story and characters.

With the recent closure of the Baldur’s Gate 3 DLC and the decision to not pursue a sequel, Larian Studios is now focusing on their next projects. Vincke mentioned that they have two unnamed games in the works, but fans may have to wait a while before hearing more details. The studio is now in a position to take their time and carefully craft their upcoming games, thanks to the financial stability provided by the success of Baldur’s Gate 3.

Larian Studios has come a long way from their early days of struggling with limited resources. The success of Baldur’s Gate 3 has allowed them to grow into a powerhouse in the gaming industry, with a strong focus on delivering high-quality gameplay experiences. By learning from their past mistakes and continuing to innovate, Larian Studios is poised to make a significant impact on the world of RPGs for years to come.