Beyond the Forgotten Realms: Why Larian’s Next RPG Will 'Eclipse' Baldur's Gate 3

The numbers are in, and they are astronomical. Baldur’s Gate 3 has officially crossed the 20 million unit threshold, cementing it as one of the most successful RPGs of the modern era. For most studios, a success this profound would guarantee a decade of sequels and spin-offs. Yet, Larian Studios is pivoting away from the cash cow of the Dungeons & Dragons license. The developers have revealed that their next project isn't just a new game—it’s an attempt to make Baldur's Gate 3 look small in comparison.

Building on the Blueprint

The most intriguing takeaway from recent developer comments is the characterization of their past work. CEO Swen Vincke has referred to Divinity: Original Sin 2 and Baldur’s Gate 3 not as peaks, but as "blueprints" for the future. This suggests that the mechanics we’ve spent hundreds of hours mastering were merely proof-of-concept for the studio’s true ambition.

The "super bold claim" being teased regarding the next game implies a leap in scope or mechanical density. If BG3 was the result of learning how to adapt cinematic storytelling into a systemic RPG, the next game—described as a "natural evolution"—likely aims to remove the friction between the two. We should expect a doubling down on the "immersive sim" elements of their design philosophy. Without the shackles of the D&D license, Larian can iterate on combat systems and lore without seeking approval from Wizards of the Coast, potentially leading to faster development cycles and more experimental gameplay loops.

Human Craftsmanship as a Selling Point

Larian is also making headlines for what they won't do. Amidst a tech industry obsessed with efficiency, the studio has firmly rejected the use of generative AI for writing and art. This aligns perfectly with the reception of Baldur’s Gate 3. The game's accolades were largely driven by the sheer quality of its performance capture and the nuance of its branching dialogue—elements that current AI struggles to replicate convincingly.

By publicizing this stance now, Larian is effectively turning "human-made" into a premium feature. They are signaling to their 20 million customers that the wait for the next game will be long because it is being built by hand. It’s a risky move in a profit-driven industry, but one that builds immense goodwill with a player base tired of procedural generation.

Navigating the Heights of Fame

It is worth noting that this ascent hasn't been without turbulence. The spotlight that comes with 20 million sales also illuminates the cracks, with recent reports touching on allegations regarding the studio's hiring atmosphere and internal politics. Heavy is the head that wears the RPG crown, and Larian’s ability to deliver on these "bold claims" will depend heavily on retaining the talent that made BG3 a masterpiece.

What This Means for Players

Larian is asking us to trust that they didn't need the Baldur's Gate name to make a great game; they needed their own talent. The 20 million sales figure gives them the financial runway to take massive risks. We aren't just looking at a new RPG; we are looking at a studio attempting to surpass a game that many already consider perfect. The bar is set impossibly high, but if anyone can clear it, it’s the team that turned a niche genre into a blockbuster phenomenon.