GRY Online sat down with Swen Vincke, the head of Larian Studios, at Digital Dragons 2024 to discuss what might be next for the creators behind Baldur’s Gate 3. The interview touched on the studio’s upcoming endeavors, the development code name, and the possible direction of a new project.
In the conversation, Vincke emphasized that work on the new game is in a very early phase and that not much can be revealed at this moment. He spoke frankly about the need to first understand what the project truly is before sharing specifics.
In a broader exchange with the publication, Vincke hinted at the possible trajectory for the forthcoming title. He suggested that the new Larian game is unlikely to follow the same turn-based RPG format as Baldur’s Gate 3 or the Divinity: Original Sin titles released previously. This openness to experimentation signals the studio’s intent to explore fresh gameplay paradigms while staying rooted in its storytelling strengths.
Vincke commented that while he has a fondness for turn-based mechanics, he does not crave only one genre. The team may blend ideas from various styles, offering players something that challenges expectations. He celebrated the studio’s appetite for experimentation, noting that repeating past methods is not his goal. The attitude implies a project that could surprise fans with new systems, pacing, and interaction patterns.
During the discussion, Vincke revealed that the new game is being developed under the code name Excalibur, inspired by his dog’s name. This naming tradition echoes the early phase of Baldur’s Gate 3, which began under the label Project Gustav, a nod to another of the studio head’s dogs. The naming choices reflect a playful culture within Larian that pairs personal quirks with ambitious creative work. (VG Times)
Earlier in April, Larian Studios announced the start of development on two new titles, underscoring the studio’s momentum. Vincke later described these future projects as the best work the company has produced in its history, underscoring a high level of confidence in the studio’s direction and capabilities. (VG Times)
As fans and observers look ahead, the studio’s track record provides a strong context for these comments. Baldur’s Gate 3, released to critical and commercial acclaim, established Larian as a premier RPG developer known for its player choice, narrative density, and robust world-building. The studio’s approach usually emphasizes deep systems that respond to player actions, meaningful consequences, and richly realized settings. The next project, while currently shrouded in early-stage details, appears to be positioned to expand on these strengths while potentially adopting new gameplay structures that could broaden the studio’s audience. (VG Times)
Industry watchers anticipate that Excalibur may blend narrative focus with action-oriented gameplay elements, a combination that could attract players seeking immersive stories without sacrificing dynamic, hands-on interaction. The project’s code name and the candid remarks from Vincke suggest a willingness to depart from established patterns and try something novel. The creative direction could also involve enhanced world exploration, more cinematic pacing, and mechanics that test traditional turn-based comfort zones, inviting a broader spectrum of players to experience Larian’s storytelling craft. (VG Times)
In summary, the statements reflect a studio at a crossroads between honoring its beloved turn-based roots and pursuing fresh formats that push creative boundaries. While exact features remain under wraps, the sense is clear: Larian is preparing to unveil something ambitious, with Excalibur as its current umbrella title and a promise of impactful, history-making projects on the horizon. (VG Times)