Larian Studios, creators of the 2023 Game of the Year, Baldur's Gate 3, have revealed they abandoned a playable Baldur's Gate 4. CEO Swen Vincke shared in a PC Gamer interview that a sequel was in development and even reached a playable stage, but the team ultimately decided against further development.

While the potential BG4 was deemed "something you all would have liked," Vincke explained that the prospect of years more work on a similar project, potentially requiring numerous revisions, led to the decision. The team felt a need to pursue fresh, original ideas instead.

The shift away from the Baldur's Gate franchise, including a planned BG3 DLC, boosted team morale significantly. Vincke described a feeling of liberation and high spirits, focusing instead on two undisclosed future projects. Senior product manager Tom Butler confirmed a team holiday and subsequent exploration of these new ventures.

Larian's previous work on the Divinity series suggests a potential return to that franchise. While a Divinity: Original Sin 3 sequel was previously hinted at, Vincke clarified that their next Divinity project will be unexpected.

Baldur's Gate 3, meanwhile, will receive one final major patch in Fall 2024, introducing mod support, cross-play, and new story endings. The images included in the original article are omitted here for brevity.