Summary
Baldur’s Gate 3director Swen Vincke has offered an explanation for why the game didn’t get any DLC. WhileBaldur’s Gate 3has had continuing support in the form of updates that have added things like new sub-classes, fans' hopes of DLC were dashed when Vincke previously revealed that development studio was moving on to new things.
DLC is a common method of releasing more content for established games, which can be beneficial for both fans and the studio producing them. When done well, DLC can add fresh content that can revive a playerbase and invite new players to check out a title. However,DLC can also be seen as a cash grabwhen not executed well, making it a fine line for developers to walk.
Now, in a conversation withGameSpot,Baldur’s Gate 3director Swen Vincke has talked about the game, the studio’s future, and whyBaldur’s Gate 3never got any DLC. Vincke explained that Larian “tried to be in the DLC business” but that the team wasn’t passionate about it. He noted that happy players mean a happy business, but that “you need a happy developer for a happy player” and that what the team is working on is making its developers far more happy than pouring time intoBaldur’s Gate 3DLC. Initially, the team “heard it’s what we’re supposed to do,” with Vincke acknowledging that it could have generated a lot of money. However, the team thought about it, and ultimately decided that moving on was better for them.
Larian Studios Stands By Its Developers
While the lack of DLC forBaldur’s Gate 3has disappointed some fans, the general position that Larian has taken on the matter isn’t a huge surprise. While Larian Studios reportedly underwent “a bit of crunch” to get the game done, in general, the conditions seem to be better for its developers than in many other studios. Vincke has previously stood up for members of the industry as well, lambastinggame industry layoffs as being due to greed. The director of publishing at Larian, Michael Douse, previously also extended an invitation to developers who had been laid off from other development studios to apply for Larian.
Now thatPatch 8 forBaldur’s Gate 3has been released, Larian Studios is finally moving on from the game to new projects. The team hasn’t said much about what it’s working on, but Vincke noted that the project was “crazy ambitious” and going well. Given the development time forBaldur’s Gate 3, it could be a long while before players get an opportunity to see what the team is working on. With any luck, Larian Studios' happy developers produce a product they can be proud of that resonates well with their fans.
