Larian Studios has certainly come a long way from its early days when the team was limited to just a few dozen developers working on projects like Divinity: Original Sin. According to CEO Swen Vincke, the small size of the team meant that they were unable to execute everything they wanted in their games, leading to compromises being made in areas like story and character development.
Vincke admits that in the past, the focus was primarily on getting the gameplay right, with little attention paid to the story. He describes the story of Divinity: Original Sin as being “really tacked on,” a clear indication of the limitations the team faced at the time. However, the success of the game allowed Larian Studios to reassess their priorities and invest more time and resources into developing narratives and characters.
With the financial success of Baldur’s Gate 3, Larian Studios has been able to expand significantly, going from around 40 developers to nearly 500 across multiple studios worldwide. This growth has enabled the team to dedicate more time to refining storytelling and character development, as evidenced by the extensive early access period of Baldur’s Gate 3.
Despite their recent successes, Larian Studios remains committed to continuous improvement and innovation. Vincke’s focus on storytelling and character development suggests that future projects from the studio will build upon the foundation laid by Baldur’s Gate 3. While details about their next games remain under wraps, it’s clear that Larian Studios is setting the bar high for themselves in terms of quality and creativity.
The evolution of Larian Studios serves as a testament to the team’s dedication to growth and improvement. From humble beginnings with limited resources to becoming a powerhouse in the gaming industry, the studio’s journey is a prime example of what can be achieved through hard work, creativity, and a commitment to excellence. As they continue to push boundaries and redefine the RPG genre, fans can look forward to more immersive and engaging experiences from Larian Studios in the years to come.
Leave a Reply