Larian Studios, creators of the 2023 Game of the Year, Baldur's Gate 3, have revealed details about a shelved project: a potential Baldur's Gate 4.

A Playable, Yet Abandoned, Sequel

In a recent interview with PC Gamer, CEO Swen Vincke disclosed that a follow-up to BG3, already in a playable state, was abandoned. While acknowledging it was a project fans would have enjoyed, the team ultimately decided against further development. The reasons cited were the extensive time commitment required for a project of that scale and the team's desire to pursue original ideas. The prospect of potentially spending another three years on a similar project proved less appealing than exploring new creative avenues.

A Boost in Morale

The decision to move on from the Baldur's Gate franchise has resulted in a significant morale boost within Larian Studios. Vincke emphasized the team's renewed enthusiasm for working on fresh, original projects. This sentiment was echoed by senior product manager Tom Butler, who mentioned upcoming holidays and the exploration of new endeavors.

Both Baldur's Gate 4 and planned BG3 DLC were shelved for similar reasons. Larian is now concentrating on two unannounced projects, described by Vincke as their most ambitious yet.

The Future of Divinity

With the shift away from the Baldur's Gate franchise, attention has turned to the possibility of a new entry in Larian's Divinity series. While a Divinity: Original Sin 3 has been previously hinted at, Vincke clarified that their next Divinity project will be something unexpected.

Baldur's Gate 3's Future

Baldur's Gate 3 will receive one final major patch in Fall 2024, introducing features such as official mod support, cross-play, and new evil endings.