Summary
Baldur’s Gate 3did more than just succeed. It shattered expectations, turning a classic franchise revival into one of the most celebrated games of the decade. With over 15 million copies sold and widespread acclaim, it set a new standard not only for Larian Studios but for the entire CRPG genre.
This success has created an unavoidable legacy. Whether Larian tries to chase it, evolve beyond it, or deliberately do something different, the long shadow ofBaldur’s Gate 3will follow. Players and critics alike will measure any future project against it, even if the comparison is unfair.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Set a High Bar
Baldur’s Gate 3wasn’t just commercially dominant; it reshaped what players expect from a role-playing game. Fully voiced dialogue, layered companion relationships, meaningful player choice, and cinematic presentation all helped it stand apart. In particular, its branching narrative structure created room for unexpected decisions that could reshape entire storylines. For example, allowing players to side with Minthara or challenge her early on became a defining fork with long-term consequences.
For Larian Studios, this creates a creative dilemma. It could continue with a similar approach to meet fan expectations, or it could shift to an entirely different format. Repeating the same structure might provide a sense of familiarity, but could also cause fatigue. Taking a new direction might surprise fans, especially those who now associate Larian with theBaldur’s Gate 3formula.
Larian has confirmed it will not create DLC or direct sequels forBaldur’s Gate 3. The studio’s latest patch update hints that they consider the game is complete.
Future Larian Games Will Invite Comparisons
Even beforeLarian announces its next game, players are speculating. Every detail, from screenshots to gameplay hints, will likely be viewed through the lens ofBaldur’s Gate 3. If the game includes party-based combat, it will be compared toBG3’stactical depth. If it introduces new companions, many will ask whether they match the emotional complexity of characters like Astarion or Shadowheart.
This creates pressure for the studio. Any lapse in character development, writing quality, or world-building could be interpreted as a step down. Larian might choose to continue developing character-driven stories, but apply those skills in a new setting. A shift away from fantasy could create enough space for new expectations to form.
Some fans are already anticipating another fantasy epic, namely thesequel toDivinity: Original Sin 2.However, a move into science fiction or historical fiction would help Larian distance its next project fromBaldur’s Gate 3. The studio could carry over its storytelling strengths without inviting constant comparisons.
Despite the weight ofBaldur’s Gate 3, Larian has proven adaptable. BeforeDivinity: Original Sin 2, the studio had never made a turn-based RPG of that scale either.
Not Just Larian: Others Face the Pressure Too
Larian is not the only studio navigating the impact ofBaldur’s Gate 3. Any developer who works ona futureBaldur’s Gategameor attempts a CRPG with strong narrative elements will face close attention. A potentialBaldur’s Gate 4from another studio would need to deliver something new while living up to the high expectations set by Larian.
Studios like Owlcat Games, creators ofPathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, andObsidian Entertainment, known forPillars of Eternity, may feel motivated to matchBG3’sscope. Features like cinematic dialogue, deep companion arcs, and meaningful decision-making will likely become new benchmarks. However, simply copying the surface elements without understanding their deeper role could result in shallow experiences.
By choosing not tofollow upBaldur’s Gate 3with DLCor a sequel, Larian is making a clear statement. The studio wants to move forward, not linger. That creative independence may ultimately allow it to grow, even if the world continues to view its next project through aBaldur’s Gate 3lens.
Baldur’s Gate 3
WHERE TO PLAY
Abducted, infected, lost. You are turning into a monster, but as the corruption inside you grows, so does your power. Forge a tale of fellowship and betrayal, sacrifice and survival, and the lure of absolute power. Caught in a conflict between devils, deities, and sinister otherworldly forces, you and your party will determine the fate of the Forgotten Realms.THE ULTIMATE D&D EXPERIENCEChoose from a wide selection of D&D races and classes, or play as an origin character with a hand-crafted background. Adventure, loot, battle, and romance as you journey through the Forgotten Realms and beyond. Play alone or as a party of up to four in multiplayer – and select your companions carefully.A CINEMATIC STORYTELLING EPICForged with the new Divinity 4.0 engine, Baldur’s Gate 3 gives you unprecedented freedom to explore, experiment, and interact with a world that reacts to your choices. A grand, cinematic narrative brings you closer to your characters than ever before, as you venture through our biggest world yet. Romance, deceive, aid, obstruct, and grow alongside your friends thanks to Larian’s next-generation RPG engine.
