The History of Larian Studios – From Divinity to Baldur's Gate 3

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Fans of computer role-playing games have been familiar with the Belgian studio Larian since the early 2000s, and the general audience learned about it in 2014. The studio gained recognition thanks to the Divinity: Original Sin duology. However, it gained particular popularity with the release of the role-playing game Baldur's Gate 3, the third installment in BioWare's iconic series. This project became a true event in the gaming world, attracting the attention of both long-time fans and new players. Larian didn't acquire the Baldur's Gate license by chance. For over 20 years, the company worked tirelessly to achieve success and win the love of players. Despite financial crises, project cancellations, conflicts with publishers, and reworkings, Larian slowly but surely moved toward its goal: creating deep, non-linear RPGs with extensive role-playing capabilities that create lasting memories. Throughout these years, the studio was led by Swen Vincke, who contributed to the studio's stable development and innovation. Larian's strategy of creating high-quality content and attention to detail makes their projects unique and in demand.

Sven showed an interest in computer games from an early age, spending a significant amount of time playing them. His passion for the gaming world was especially evident in his fascination with pirated versions of games, since legal versions were unavailable.

If I hadn't pirated games as a child, I probably would never have been introduced to the world of video games. I didn't have the financial means to purchase licensed copies. Therefore, accusing teenagers of piracy would be hypocritical. Piracy became a way for me to open up access to games that would otherwise remain inaccessible. This raises an important question about gaming accessibility for young people and the need for more accessible content distribution models.

The economics of the gaming industry have changed significantly, and today many games are available for as little as one dollar. Unlike my childhood, when games were sold on floppy disks, the situation has changed dramatically. Piracy in the gaming industry is a highly controversial topic. On the one hand, it negatively impacts sales, since each illegally copied game reduces the developers' income. On the other hand, pirated versions can serve as a kind of advertising, promoting future projects among players. Thus, piracy is a complex issue that requires careful analysis of its impact on the industry as a whole.

I also have a negative attitude towards DRM. I recently moved, and at the new place, I only had access to Wi-Fi. I wanted to play Civilization 5, but activating the game on Steam required an internet connection. However, due to poor connection quality, I was unable to complete the activation. This created an extremely unpleasant user experience. DRM that restricts access to games can significantly degrade the player experience, especially in situations with an unstable internet connection.

Sven has always loved the Ultima series, especially the seventh installment. It was this game that had a significant influence on him and inspired him to create his own role-playing adventures. The seventh part of Ultima stands out for its deeply developed mechanics and a fascinating story, which became the basis for Sven's further work in the industry.

Each of us has a game that can be considered iconic. Ultima 6 was my first real role-playing game, which had a huge amount of text. Ultima 7, however, introduced me to the world of modern RPGs. Although the game's combat system could be called unsuccessful, its freedom and variety of interactions with the surrounding world were impressive. At first, I didn't always understand how to act correctly, but this only increased my interest in the game. These projects left a deep mark on my perception of the genre and inspired further adventures in the world of role-playing games.

Along with a friend, Vincke founded Larian Studios in 1996, naming the studio after his dog. Originally planned to create an RPG called Ragnarok Unless, but the project was canceled. However, the ideas created during development later formed the basis not only for the Divinity series, but also for other successful projects by the studio. Larian Studios has established itself as a leading RPG developer, bringing innovative ideas and high-quality execution to the industry. Following the cancellation of its debut project, the studio found itself in financial difficulties for the first time. This event marked a significant turning point, threatening the company's future development. The studio began looking for new ways to attract investment and optimize costs in order to restore financial stability and continue working on future projects.

The studio's next game, based on the work of Ragnarok Unless, is a large-scale RPG with a unique approach to storytelling—The Lady, the Mage, and the Knight. In this game, players control a team of three characters stranded on the shores of a mysterious island. Each character has their own special skills and attributes, adding strategic depth to the gameplay. Players will explore a mysterious world, solve puzzles, and interact with a variety of unique NPCs, making the story more exciting and multilayered.

The Lady, the Mage, and the Knight begins in three unique locations, where players can control three different heroes. The ability to choose to control a single hero, form a party, or play in multiplayer mode adds variety to the gameplay. We aimed to create an open-world game similar to Ultima 7 and retained some of its mechanics. Today, we continue to develop games with similar elements, focusing on freedom of action and engaging gameplay.

Implementing a project like this proved significantly more challenging than we expected. Therefore, we had to temporarily pause work and reevaluate our goals, moving towards them more carefully. The core idea of ​​all our games is to give players freedom of action and create a dynamic environment that responds appropriately to their choices.

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The developers have created a unique game world filled with unusual details and mechanics that attract players. One interesting feature is cheating—players can counterfeit coins and potions. For example, you can pour river water into an empty vial, add dye, and sell it on the market as a health potion. These mechanics add depth and variety to the gameplay, allowing players to be creative and use their skills to achieve success.

In the mid-nineties, the studio was just starting out in the gaming market, and finding funding for such an ambitious project was extremely difficult. After a lengthy search, we managed to attract a publisher, but their terms were unexpected. They proposed moving the game's story to a different universe and changing the graphics. As a result, the team led by Sven had to essentially start development from scratch, reworking every aspect of the project.

At that time, publishers refused to sign contracts unless the game resembled Diablo. The project "The Lady, the Mage, and the Knight" could well have been released if it had not had to be adapted for a 16-bit color palette, since Diablo used that type of graphics. We had an agent who said the contract would not be signed. If we had been developing an action game, our chances of success would have increased tenfold. However, we were creating a turn-based game, which significantly reduced our chances of success.

The game's publisher also acted as the developer. The development team created the Realms of Arkania series and published other projects. In Germany, they are known as Attic Entertainment, and in the US, their games were published by Sir-Tech. They ultimately released numerous projects that were unsuccessful and eventually ran into financial difficulties.

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While developing the ambitious RPG, the studio was also working on another project. Sven Vincke initiated production of the strategy game The LED Wars in order to retain staff and secure funding for the next game in the event of The Lady, the Mage, and the Knight being canceled. The strategy was completed in just five months, and its successful release brought Larian the financial backing it needed.

While initial successes were promising, the debt after the development of The Lady, the Mage and the Knight turned out to be significantly greater than the expected profit. Over the next three years, the Larian team was engaged in third-party contracts and participated in the development of games for other companies, ranging from children's games to digital casinos. This work for hire allowed the company to restore its financial position, but did not bring satisfaction to the team. All Larian employees were eager to return to the ideas and concepts of canceled projects, dreaming of the opportunity to realize their creative ambitions.

The development of the first part of Divinity began with an active search for a publisher, which was soon found - it was the German company CDV Software. The received funding allowed Larian Studios to move to a new office, but the German side proposed changing the game's name to Divine Divinity, despite protests from Vincke.

During the development of Divine Divinity, it became clear that the gameplay needed improvement, as it caused boredom among players. A forum user named Bronthion proposed a solution: instead of simply navigating empty locations between main quests, characters should encounter interesting quests and situations with unexpected twists. Going forward, Sven intends to actively study user opinions on the forums and collect player feedback to improve the quality of his studio's games. This will create a more engaging and varied gaming experience that will attract and retain the audience's attention.

In the first part of the game In Divinity, players could encounter male prostitutes. We believe we created one of the first games to implement such a mechanic. The brothel in the city had to be carefully concealed to avoid negative reactions from our publisher. This decision subsequently affected the development of the game. However, even then, players had the opportunity to interact with this part of the game world. We adhere to the principle that we should not make decisions for the player. If they choose a certain direction, we provide them with a rules system and a detailed world. How the player decides to use these elements is entirely up to them.

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Larian was continuing work on Divine Divinity when the German publisher, losing patience, decided to release the game in an unfinished state to cut costs. As a result, the game was unfinished and riddled with numerous bugs, which created certain difficulties for players. Despite all its shortcomings, the project nevertheless resonated with audiences and gained popularity among RPG enthusiasts.

Divinity is now considered a video game classic and was included in PC Gamer's Top 100 Games list. However, upon release, due to the publisher's actions, the game was far from ready for launch. During a press tour in the US, I learned that the game had "gone gold," meaning it was on sale. Unfortunately, Divinity was riddled with bugs and technical issues, which led to journalists not giving it the attention it deserved. As a result, despite its potential, the game failed to receive positive reviews upon release.

I remember sitting at my desk, manually editing save files from the release version. It was the only thing I could do at the time. Our team consisted of only a few programmers, and I led them. We were a true "garage company," working to create a quality product. This work required not only technical skills but also dedication, which led to significant results.

Modern technologies have significantly changed the way we live and work. They impact everything from communication to business, opening up new opportunities for growth and development. The implementation of innovative solutions improves process efficiency, optimizes resources, and enhances customer service.

One key aspect is the use of digital platforms that provide quick access to information and collaboration tools. This allows companies to remain competitive in a rapidly changing world.

Furthermore, modern technologies facilitate the development of remote work, allowing people to work from anywhere while maintaining high productivity. Importantly, successful adaptation to new conditions requires continuous training and professional development.

Thus, integrating technology into everyday life and business processes is a necessary step to achieving success and sustainable growth.

Due to the specific terms of the contract, the publisher received most of the profits, while the Larian studio received virtually no financial rewards. This highlights the importance of carefully analyzing the terms of cooperation in the gaming industry to ensure that developers receive a fair share of the success of their projects.

At the time, this was considered a standard contract in the gaming industry. According to its terms, authors received only royalties from the publisher, and for the studio to make a profit, games had to sell in the millions.

The company did not make a profit from the game Divinity, despite its successful sales. This was a disappointment for the team that had invested a lot of effort into the project.

The release of Divine Divinity turned out to be critical for Larian Studios, bringing it to the brink of bankruptcy. In an effort to cut costs, CEO Sven Vincke decided to lay off the vast majority of the staff, leaving only three people on the team. Furthermore, the German publisher described Divine Divinity as "terrible" and terminated further cooperation, which exacerbated the company's financial problems.

For two weeks, I spent time at my father's ranch, deep in thought and trying to find answers to questions about the future. Upon returning, I managed to convince a Belgian bank to provide financial support. After that, I also convinced a Belgian television channel to invest in my project.

The funds raised allowed the studio to create an educational game for children and begin development of a sequel to Divine Divinity. However, as usual, funding was insufficient, and there was only a little over a year. Such strict deadlines were set by the new publisher.

Vincke openly stated that Beyond Divinity was developed primarily for profit. The accelerated pace of development negatively impacted the quality of the project. As a result, he admits that the sequel turned out to be "the weakest game in the series." However, Vincke also highlights the game's certain strengths that are worth noting.

Humor is one of Key features of the game Beyond Divinity. The project features many comical situations that do not distract the player from the overall immersion in the gameplay. This harmony between humor and story was embedded in the concept of the game design, and I'm glad that we managed to achieve this goal.

I really like the ending. I realize that some perceive it as controversial and that not everyone may like it, but, in my opinion, it concludes the story successfully.

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We've gained new experience in developing complex software, especially in creating role-playing games with limited resources. Our efforts have focused on optimizing processes and using innovative technologies to achieve high results. We focused on creating engaging gameplay and high-quality graphics despite resource constraints. This allowed us to not only improve the functionality of our games but also increase their appeal to users. As a result, we were able to implement unique mechanics and immersive scenarios, making our role-playing games more memorable and engaging for players.

We've studied the aspects of accessibility and appeal to a wide audience. Beyond Divinity cannot be considered accessible, and we will not make this mistake in the future. This applies not only to the interface but also to the overall design of the game. People prefer bright and well-lit spaces to dark and oppressive ones. This understanding will help create a more engaging and accessible gaming experience for all users.

Player reaction to the game has been overwhelmingly positive. Some users were disappointed, as they were expecting a sequel to Divine Divinity. However, the developers never intended to repeat the previous experience.

In the future, I hope we can create the game without constantly worrying about finances and having to find funding to extend development. This limits our creative process and forces us to sacrifice important aspects of the project, which is unfortunate.

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Despite some minor criticism, the sequel successfully accomplished its main goal — helping Larian get rid of its financial problems for a certain period.

Over the next three years, Vincke and his team continued to actively work on projects for other developers in order to secure financial support for the creation of Divinity 2, a full-fledged sequel to Divine Divinity. During this period, the role-playing game genre underwent significant changes: games became more cinematic and began to actively develop on console platforms.

The developers decided to change the isometric view to an open world with a third-person view. In addition, development of a version for Xbox 360 began alongside the PC version. The game was designed with a unique gameplay solution typical of role-playing games in mind: players were given the ability to move not only on the ground, but also in the air, since the main character could transform into a dragon at any time.

When a game starts selling, developers often find themselves trapped in a franchise. After the success of Divinity, we had the idea of ​​creating a completely different game, but then we decided to focus on Divinity 2. This decision was made because the publisher expressed interest in continuing a successful project rather than new, original concepts.

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Financial difficulties arose during the final stages of the game's development. In 2008, the world faced a financial crisis, which significantly impacted the video game industry. As a result, the publisher urgently demanded to speed up the release of Divinity 2: Ego Draconis.

History repeats itself: Larian's new game was released in a rough state, similar to what happened with Divine Divinity. Despite the bugs, Divinity 2 received positive reviews, primarily for its engaging narrative and original mechanics, such as the ability to read NPCs' minds. Unique ideas and a deep plot make the game appealing to players despite its technical flaws.

Every time, the situation repeated itself. We weren't able to complete the game as planned. Iterations were necessary, and there was no escape from that. I felt our team lacked expertise, so we needed iterations. However, this process takes time. Furthermore, our studio was unlucky: we worked with publishers who were running out of financial resources. First, we worked with CDV, which was in trouble, and then with DTP, which also went bankrupt. This constant lack of resources and time significantly impacted the quality of our projects.

Running a business is always associated with risks, and without accepting them, success is unlikely. When working with a publisher, there is often concern about their financial stability and ability to recover funds. Working directly with players can provide some confidence, as the game will inevitably find a buyer. However, uncertainty remains about the product's appeal to the audience, which also implies risk. It is important to understand that in the gaming industry there are no absolute guarantees of success, and risk-taking is a key element in achieving business goals.

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In In 2009, CDV went bankrupt, and Larian once again found itself in financial trouble. Vincke, learning from past failures, decided to stop working with publishers to avoid falling into the same trap again. As a result, Larian began funding its projects with third-party investors, allowing them to maintain independence and creative control. This move was a crucial step in the studio's development and contributed to the creation of successful games that won acclaim from players and critics.

CDV released Divine Divinity, and I was shocked. I realized we hadn't made any profit, despite the game's commercial success. After that, a tedious battle began to amend our contract so we could receive at least some financial compensation. This battle was driven by meetings with major publishers and their participation in their meetings, where I was told that fantasy RPGs weren't interesting to audiences. Eventually, we began to establish partnerships with small distributors in local markets.

We mastered the process of publishing and distributing our own games, which allowed us to sign several contracts to accumulate resources. As a result, we built up a significant reserve, and now we have reached a point where we can confidently say: "With our next game, we will do without a publisher."

After 15 years in the industry, I have met many people from various publishing houses. Many of them consider the success of games like Angry Birds and Minecraft to be flukes, but then ask themselves: "How can we repeat this success?" An example is The Sims - this project was almost canceled due to its unconventional idea. Publishers have a misunderstanding of games. They do not perceive them as entertainment that makes you want to play, but rather look at everything from the perspective of "How can I sell this?" This attitude hinders creativity and innovation in the gaming industry.

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Thanks to a new funding method, the studio developed an enhanced version of Divinity 2 called Flames of Vengeance, and later released the experimental game Divinity: Dragon Commander, in which players can equip a dragon with a jetpack. This game is a unique combination of genres, including a Wing Commander-style flight simulator, RPG elements, as well as real-time strategy and turn-based strategy. Such a variety of game mechanics makes Divinity: Dragon Commander an interesting choice for fans of various genres.

I have A small notebook filled with ideas I'd like to bring to fruition. I've pitched these concepts to publishers numerous times, but have never been able to secure funding. Now that we're on our own, we decided to go back through these notes and think about what projects we want to pursue. That's how the idea for Dragon Commander was born. This project is a unique combination of genres that have always intrigued me. My first games were released in the Amiga and Commodore 64 era, and I still remember being fascinated by Cinemaware's Defender of the Crown—it made a huge impression on me, but the genre had almost disappeared from the market. Now we're striving to bring it back to life and create something truly unique.

Adding a modern development budget and innovative technology to a dated genre can result in a captivating gaming experience. I'm genuinely interested in such a project, and that's why we decided to take the risk and try our hand. Despite the team's skepticism, I'm confident in the potential of this idea.

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The studio was simultaneously working on a small RPG designed for 20 hours of gameplay, codenamed Eyes of the Child. Gradually, the project acquired new details and mechanics, and its scope became larger and more ambitious. Ultimately, the game was renamed Divinity: Original Sin. During this period, Sven again experienced financial difficulties.

The developers strove to provide players with a high degree of freedom in the game. Original Sin offers many unique ways to play, and every decision made by the player significantly affects the gameplay. To describe this deep system of interaction with the game, the developers at Larian coined the term "N+1".

Game developers analyze all possible player behaviors in advance, including dialogue choices, combat tactics, and attempts to circumvent the game's limitations. Based on these scenarios, the developers create mechanics that allow players to complete the game, regardless of their chosen playstyle. This approach provides flexibility in gameplay and increases interest in the project, attracting a diverse audience and promoting repeat playthroughs.

Our main goal is to provide players with a variety of tools to successfully complete the game. Whether or not to use these tools is a personal decision. The importance of choice should be reflected in all aspects of the gameplay. An RPG without role-playing elements cannot be considered a full-fledged RPG.

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Before developing a new non-linear quest with multiple paths, Larian's writers and designers must consider all possible outcomes: the directions the player will choose, dialogue responses, spells used, and inventory items. This process makes creating quests and gameplay situations a unique creative challenge for the authors, requiring a deep understanding of the game's mechanics and player interactions.

Sven Vincke's habit of actively studying forums, collecting feedback, and directly interacting with the audience significantly helped the team develop alternative solutions and a deep understanding of player behavior. This approach has allowed us to better tailor products to user needs and increase user satisfaction. Player feedback has become an essential tool for optimizing game mechanics and improving the overall gaming experience.

Listen to the gaming community, but do so wisely. Game development is not a voting process, but rather the result of deliberate management. The gaming community represents a wide range of opinions, which can be contradictory. It's important to have your own clear vision for the project, through which to analyze all feedback, regardless of whether it's positive or negative. Listening to critics is truly crucial, as it allows you to get to the heart of the issues players report. They often focus on symptoms rather than the root causes of the difficulties they encounter.

We receive extensive and detailed emails with excellent ideas and suggestions for solving emerging problems. Users also share their impressions of the game, describing situations they enjoyed and those that caused difficulties. This dialogue with players is invaluable and replaces entire quality assurance departments. That's why we've made the Original Sin alpha available to everyone. Of the 20,000 participants, at least 13,000 tested the alpha and provided us with feedback. At the same time, we've been collecting reports of crashes, errors, and other glitches, allowing us to significantly improve the quality of the game. Please note the importance of using reliable sources of information. High-quality sources ensure the accuracy and reliability of data, which is especially important in today's information overload. The choice of sources influences understanding of a topic and forming an opinion. Always check the facts and pay attention to the authority of sources to avoid the spread of false information. Reliable sources are the foundation for creating high-quality content and well-reasoned conclusions. We have a community member who analyzes all forums daily. Every morning, he or she sends us an Excel spreadsheet containing a summary of the discussions. This document reflects all topics, issues, and frequently asked questions. Based on this list, we decide what improvements or fixes need to be made to our product.

Vincke emphasizes that "a vocal minority does not represent the opinion of the entire audience, no matter how persistent their desire to substantiate their claims." In his opinion, most community members simply do not have the time to write numerous messages. He also recommends ignoring rude comments on forums, as developers rarely have the opportunity to meet with players face-to-face. The main goal is to gather meaningful information to improve the quality of the game.

The "N+1" principle turned out to be more expensive than Vincke expected. The developers used this approach for all game situations, including quests and various outcomes, even in controversial cases. As a result, the team faced a lack of private investment and was unable to successfully run a Kickstarter campaign.

Content plays a key role in the success of a game. Low-quality content can lead to a decrease in player motivation, which, in turn, makes them less likely to emotionally invest in your project. If you discover weak content elements, you need to get rid of them immediately. Even if this impacts the release schedule and puts you in a difficult financial situation, remember that low-quality content will negatively impact player experience. Focus on improving content first. During development, we made the decision to remove more than half of the content from Original Sin, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions. While this resulted in additional stress and difficulties, it ultimately resulted in a higher-quality product. Don't be afraid to iterate on your project. I've tried to avoid reworking many times, but this rarely yielded positive results. Ideally, you can minimize the number of iterations, but some aspects will still require refinement. Make iteration a key principle in your development, and this will help you avoid many problems.

Belgian banks began demanding repayment of previously issued loans, and Vinke decided to invest all remaining funds, including tax payments that he had to transfer to the state, in the development of his project.

We have made several deals with distributors, but the revenue from them will only arrive after the game's release. It is worth noting that the Steam platform has a delay in paying out funds, which also requires waiting. In such situations, I have contacted the tax authorities with a request for a short deferment, and, as a rule, they have been accommodating.

They refused, and this was an unexpected blow for us. We sincerely believed in the success of the Original Sin project and put everything we had into it. We recognized the uniqueness of the game and knew it would resonate with the audience. The presence of an already formed community confirmed our expectations, and the results of Early Access indicated that the game is destined for success.

Steam Early Access generated some income, but, unfortunately, these funds were not enough. We were faced with paying off creditors who had expected the game to be released earlier. Not all creditors shared our confidence that Original Sin would be improved by player feedback. As a result, I had to engage in difficult negotiations. There is a significant gap between the promise to release the game when it is ready and the actual fulfillment of that promise. Achieving this goal requires significant financial resources.

However, luck did not desert Sven: two months before the release of Original Sin, a creditor was found willing to provide another loan.

Developing and releasing Divinity: Original Sin was not only an exciting but also a valuable experience. The process was full of challenges, and we had to face many difficulties. Despite the difficulties, we were able to succeed and create a unique product. I would like to share some aspects of our work with you, but, unfortunately, non-disclosure restrictions prevent me from doing so.

By the time Original Sin was released, many of us were at the end of our tether. While it may seem strange, not everyone was happy with the completion of the project: we left behind many ideas and concepts that we wanted to realize. However, our bodies and families did not share our enthusiasm. They were happy about the end of the work, while we had to find ways to compensate for the time and attention we had devoted to the project.

Divinity: Original Sin became Larian's best-selling game at the time of its release. The project's success justified the developers' efforts, and creditors and investors received their investments. Larian began to receive a stable income, and all profits were now deposited directly into its accounts.

Developing the project had a profound effect on me, both psychologically and physically. I realized that I needed a good break from the game. Thoughts about it never left me for a minute - I fell asleep and woke up with this idea, which complicated my adaptation to ordinary life. After the release of Original Sin, I decided to spend the weekend in Rome with my wife. However, to my regret, I couldn't shake the urge to constantly check the forum posts to make sure everything was going well. I was lucky that my wife stayed by my side and supported me during this difficult period.

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Previously, we were unable to directly access the profits, being in a disadvantageous negotiating position. We found ourselves in a position of having to beg for funding, which felt like begging. This was a difficult period for our financial stability. However, we managed to turn things around with the Dragon Knight Saga project, and then with Dragon Commander and Original Sin. These successes allowed us to improve our financial situation and strengthen our market position.

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The respite was short-lived. To consolidate this success and increase audience trust, Sven and his team decided to immediately begin development of the sequel. The focus will be on building on the strengths of Original Sin, updating the game engine, and scaling the project. The team strives to eliminate all unnecessary elements and get closer to the concept of the ideal role-playing game with a rich and detailed plot.

Successfully completing this task required attracting more talented developers, which led to the active expansion of the studio.

Two games were in development at the same time: Original Sin 2 and another one, about which nothing is known yet. In our history, there have been many projects that, unfortunately, had to be canceled. Perhaps it was a small project that had the potential to grow into something significant, but, unfortunately, it did not work out. Similar situations have happened repeatedly.

Original Sin focused heavily on gameplay mechanics, which resulted in insufficient attention to the story. When developing Original Sin 2, the team made significant changes, setting themselves the goal of creating a compelling and deep story. This change was one of the key aspects that allowed the game to attract the attention of players and critics, providing a richer gameplay interaction and improving the overall perception of the story.

Working with the game mechanics was the easiest, since we clearly understood what we were pursuing and made informed decisions. The introduction of a narrative component was a significant innovation in Divinity: Original Sin 2. Pre-defined backstories and biographies for the main characters give players the opportunity to control characters with established backstories, which influences their reactions to the events of the story. The story in Divinity: Original Sin 2 became more intense and tense, while still retaining an element of freedom. Achieving this balance proved challenging, which certainly reflected in our experience. Original Sin 2 surpassed the first game in success and significantly strengthened Larian's reputation. From previously lesser-known RPG developers, they have become true hits that offer players freedom of action and the opportunity to realize any idea. In addition, the sequel to Original Sin demonstrated excellent optimization, which made it possible to run the game even on systems with limited resources.

I don't want to create a game with a combat system similar to what already exists. If a game lacks freedom of action and detailed mechanics, as well as the ability to express character individuality, I'm unlikely to enjoy it. I don't want to repeat the ideas of other developers, so I want to create something new and complex that will allow players to immerse themselves in realistic interactions. However, I don't yet have a clear idea of ​​​​how to implement this.

During the release of the first Original Sin game, Swen Vincke became not only a public figure but also a de facto mascot of Larian studio. His fame gave him confidence, and he decided to write a letter directly to Wizards of the Coast, which holds the license for the famous tabletop game Dungeons & Dragons and most of its related products. This move marked a significant moment in Larian's history, highlighting the developers' commitment to engaging with the community and maintaining relationships with the industry's biggest players.

Wizards of the Coast owns the rights to Baldur's Gate, the iconic RPG series developed by BioWare. Sven emphasized that his pursuit of the license for the game has been ongoing for 10 years. Baldur's Gate remains an important part of video game history and continues to attract the attention of both old and new fans of the genre.

It was an informal conversation about creating a game. I proposed the idea: "Hey guys, let's make this game, here's Original Sin, what do you think?" The reaction was unexpected - they looked at me like I was an alien, and, in principle, they were right. This testifies to the importance of having a clear understanding of the concept and the team's perception of it at the initial stage of a project. Making a game requires not only a creative approach, but also the ability to communicate your idea to others so they can see its potential.

Development of Baldur's Gate 3 began while the team was still working on Divinity: Original Sin 2. This happened before the release of Original Sin 2, as one of the key milestones for Baldur's Gate 3 was scheduled for the week before Original Sin 2's release. At that point, we needed to develop a concept for the first story. The company representatives were interested in whether I was still working on Baldur's Gate 3 and invited me to Seattle. The meeting took place in a regular bar downtown. They had large A3 sheets of paper with them containing a presentation and a game plan, which included the ideas already discussed and some changes. I still have these materials.

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Sustainable development is becoming increasingly relevant in modern society. It includes environmental, economic, and social aspects that must be balanced to ensure the well-being of future generations. Important components of sustainable development include the rational use of resources, environmental protection, and social justice. To achieve these goals, it is necessary to implement innovative technologies and support environmentally friendly practices across various industries. Sustainable development requires the active participation of both individuals and organizations, making it a shared responsibility. It is important to recognize that every action we take can impact the world around us and to make informed decisions that promote harmony between nature and society.

A year passed before we were able to conclude the actual contract. During this time, we decided not to disclose information about the negotiations. The process dragged on as we needed to determine if we could work together effectively. Ultimately, the deal was finalized, and the small development team that formed the core of the project began work. They now proudly share photos and achievements documenting the game's development progress.

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Development of the threequel began in 2017 and lasted almost six years. The team of authors poured all their accumulated experience into the project, striving to create the most free and non-linear RPG designed for hundreds of hours of playtime. This release placed a special emphasis on cinematography, which gives the game a unique style and atmosphere.

We aimed to combine the cinematic quality of modern AAA games with the free, systems-based gameplay. These two directions have always been our focus, but we never attempted to implement them on such a scale and at such a level. Creating this game was a significant achievement for us.

Currently, my team has achieved high results and is at the peak of its capabilities. This was made possible by many years of accumulated experience and hard work.

No one imagined that such a large number of specialists would be needed to develop this game. For example, lighting designers and sound engineers play a key role in creating the atmosphere. The development process is reminiscent of filming a full-length movie, and not just one, but several. We have one and a half times the number of scenes in all seasons of Game of Thrones combined. It's like filming several movies at once. As a result, we had to assemble a full crew for the shoot.

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Many people are familiar with Dungeons & Dragons, even at a basic level. They understand that in every game, you can perform a main action and an additional action in a single turn. Baldur's Gate 3 offers exactly this experience, allowing users to immerse themselves in the exciting world of role-playing games. Players can explore a rich storyline, interact with diverse characters, and make strategic decisions that influence the course of events. This game is the perfect choice for fans of tabletop RPGs, offering unique tactical elements and a deep atmosphere.

Many playtesters remarked, "I don't quite understand how this works, but I love it." That's the goal to strive for. Learning to play is easy, but mastering it is significantly more challenging due to the abundance of mechanics and systems. You often see players experimenting without expecting success, only for the game to respond, "Of course, this will work." In these moments, they become completely engaged.

Sven Vincke called Baldur's Gate 3 the most ambitious project in the history of Larian studio. This game is currently the most successful implementation of ideas previously presented in Ragnarok Unless and The Lady, the Mage, and the Knight. Baldur's Gate 3 offers players a deep story, diverse characters, and unique mechanics that make it a standout in the role-playing genre.

The game's sequel has received positive reviews from both players and critics and is currently rapidly climbing the Steam charts. At the time of writing, the peak online player count exceeded 800,000 users. This confirms the high interest in the game and its success in the market.

It's easy to follow the established path, but this leads to stagnation in the gaming industry. Developers risk getting stuck in a rut, repeating the same thing instead of moving forward. Currently, the number of players has reached record levels, and they are looking for deeper and more intelligent content. Our goal is to meet this demand and offer innovative solutions. The evolution of games requires bold steps and new ideas that can bring freshness and originality to the industry. Swen Vincke expresses pride that "Baldur's Gate 3 is a success" and reassures developers from Obsidian, Blizzard, Epic Games, and Insomniac who are worried that Larian's large-scale, nonlinear, and cinematic RPG could set a new standard in the gaming industry. However, not all studios have the capabilities to create such a project, and this could lead to inflated expectations among players after the game's release. It's important to understand that the success of Baldur's Gate 3 could impact the market, and developers must consider the realities they face when creating their own games. Baldur's Gate 3 is a remarkable achievement for the Larian team, and this has earned the admiration of many players. However, it's important to remember that comparisons to Baldur's Gate 3 may be inappropriate. Criticism and attempts to "raise the standards" for future RPGs can create unrealistic expectations. Each game has its own unique features and context, and it's important to evaluate them on their own merits, not through the lens of a single successful title. It's important to maintain diversity in the genre and give new projects a chance to shine.

Zalavier Nelson, Jr., is a writer at Strange Scaffold, a studio known for its innovative projects in the gaming industry. His work attracts attention due to its unique style and deep storytelling. Nelson is actively involved in creating interactive stories that immerse players in captivating worlds. Strange Scaffold continues to expand its horizons, and Zalavier's contribution to this process is invaluable.

Baldur's Gate 3 was developed under unique conditions, which is unusual for the gaming industry. This does not diminish respect for the talented and dedicated specialists who worked on the project. Building a solid foundation and securing funding to operate within your own rules is crucial to the successful completion of a game.

Josh Sawyer is a writer and game director at Obsidian Entertainment. He is known for his work on storytelling and game design, which brings deep narratives and immersive gameplay to games. Thanks to his creative approach and attention to detail, Obsidian's projects have received acclaim from both critics and players. Sawyer is actively involved in game development, creating unique worlds and characters, which makes him an important figure in the video game industry.

Sven Vincke, head of Larian Studios, finds his colleagues' opinions on standards in the gaming industry strange. He emphasizes that norms are constantly changing, and there is simply no single game that could serve as a benchmark. Vincke recommends that developers not copy other people's projects, but create their own standards. He also notes that large publishers such as Microsoft and Activision have sufficient resources to implement any of their ideas.

The first game in the Assassin's Creed series caused a real sensation in the gaming industry. Many believed that no one could create something similar, and other studios were doomed to failure. However, time has passed, and we see that there are many successful games on the market that, despite the influence of Assassin's Creed, continue to find their audience and sell successfully. This situation highlights the diversity in the gaming industry and the ability of different projects to coexist despite powerful franchises.

As a gamer, I believe that platform holders should set standards. In the past, they showed developers the possibilities of new hardware, thereby inspiring them to create innovative games. This collaboration between platform holders and developers has contributed to the development of the industry, allowing players to enjoy high-quality and diverse gaming content. Setting clear standards by platform holders is key to further progress in the gaming industry.

It's difficult to say for sure whether our game will set any new standards. However, it has a lot of interesting possibilities for players, and I hope that more RPGs like this will appear in the future. Our team and I strive not only to create unique content but also to enjoy games from other developers. For example, many know about Disco Elysium, created by a small team, which has become a new benchmark for many. I myself am a fan of Into the Breach, and for me, it also sets a standard. My youngest son is obsessed with Minecraft, and for him, it represents the ideal game. Thus, we already have a wide variety of standards in the gaming industry.

Larian Studios continues to actively release updates for Baldur's Gate 3, which is a testament to the high quality of the team's work. Recently, studio head Swen Vincke announced that there are no plans to add DLC for Baldur's Gate 3 in the near future. Instead, the studio can focus on returning to the popular Divinity series, which is generating interest among fans.

I do not intend to discuss future plans, as they depend on the success of Baldur's Gate 3 and the requirements of the next project. Each game has its own unique language that must be mastered to fully understand its needs. We might create something similar to Into the Breach, but that's still up in the air.

Sven's studio has released one real-time strategy game, eight major RPGs, and seven educational games for children throughout its history. Larian faced many challenges along the way to success, but managed to overcome them. This was largely due to the hardworking, persistent, and optimistic Vincke, who confidently steered the studio along its intended course even during the most difficult times.

Almost two decades after its founding, Sven has finally released his long-awaited, deep and spectacular RPG. This game is the realization of his dream, which began in the late 1990s. It offers players a wide range of options for creating unique characters and engaging adventures, making it one of the most anticipated RPGs in the world.

As long as you recognize that something is wrong and are thinking about how to fix it, keep striving for your dream. I'm a strong believer in the motto "Never give up!" Behind many remarkable success stories lies hard work, perseverance, and luck. You might have bad luck, but remember: next time, things can change for the better. This is my philosophy and approach to game development. Success in this field requires not only talent, but also a willingness to overcome challenges and learn from mistakes. Every obstacle is an opportunity to grow and improve.

We were one of the first companies in Belgium to develop games for the mass market. Belgium is notoriously difficult to find publishers, venture capital, and banks willing to provide loans. Therefore, we had to earn money from side projects to develop our studios. Since 1997, we have accumulated experience that allows us to work efficiently and exercise patience during the development process. Our small team achieves outstanding results through innovative approaches and a constant search for creative solutions.

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