The Evolution of Storytelling at Larian Studios

Larian Studios has come a long way from the days of Divinity: Original Sin, where the team was constrained by a small number of developers. CEO Swen Vincke reflected on the limitations the team faced, citing the lack of resources as a hindrance to fully executing their vision. With approximately 40 developers working on the first Divinity game, the studio struggled to bring their stories and characters to life.

Fast forward to the present, and Larian Studios has experienced a significant transformation. With the success of Baldur’s Gate 3, the studio has expanded its team to nearly 500 employees across multiple studios worldwide. This influx of talent has allowed Larian to dedicate more time and effort to crafting compelling narratives and memorable characters.

Learning from Past Mistakes

Vincke admitted that, in the past, storytelling took a backseat to other aspects of game development. The story in Divinity: Original Sin was described as “really tacked on” and rushed, reflecting the challenges of working with limited resources. However, the success of Baldur’s Gate 3 served as a turning point for the studio, prompting them to prioritize storytelling in their future projects.

As Larian Studios continues to grow and evolve, their approach to game development has shifted. Vincke emphasized the importance of taking the time to flesh out stories and develop characters, a stark contrast to the rushed development cycles of the past. This dedication to quality is evident in Baldur’s Gate 3, which underwent an extensive early access period to refine its storytelling and gameplay.

With the cancellation of the Baldur’s Gate 3 DLC and the closure of the door on a potential Baldur’s Gate 4, Larian Studios is now focusing on the future. Vincke hinted at two unnamed projects in the works, suggesting that the studio is committed to delivering engaging stories and rich characters in their upcoming games. As Larian continues to grow and expand, their dedication to storytelling sets them apart as a leading voice in the RPG genre.