WhenBaldur’s Gate 3launched, it didn’t just revive a classic CRPG series. It completely redefined what the genre itself could be. Larian Studios set a new bar not only for turn-based RPG mechanics but also for player agency, cinematic storytelling, and emotional investment. It was lightning in a bottle: the kind of success that very few developers manage to pull off once, let alone twice. And now, withBaldur’s Gate 4on the horizon, the question isn’t whether Wizards of the Coast should make a sequel. It’s how to, or where to, even begin.
The choice to continue to build off the success ofBaldur’s Gate 3is obvious.Baldur’s Gate 3was a runaway success both critically and commercially. But that success brings pressure. Every decision moving forward—such as story direction, gameplay mechanics, companion dynamics, and especially the choice of development studio—has significant importance. Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro are keen on makingBaldur’s Gate 4, and the companies will likely work quickly to see it through compared toBG3. But quick doesn’t mean easy. If anything, the high bar set byBG3means that every step taken must be intentional, measured, and made with long-term trust in mind. The next studio to work on the franchise must understand the spirit of Faerun, the expectations of a post-BG3audience, and the delicate balance between homage and innovation.
Wizards of the Coast has a Lot of Important Decisions to Make For Baldur’s Gate 4
Wizards of the Coast finds itself at a pivotal crossroads withBaldur’s Gate 4. Following the critical andcommercial triumph ofBaldur’s Gate 3, expectations are stratospheric; understandably so. Larian Studios didn’t just revive a beloved franchise; it redefined what fans expect from narrative RPGs. Now, the burden of building a sequel that lives up to that legacy rests squarely on WotC’s shoulders.
Every decision, whether it concerns narrative direction, gameplay mechanics, creative leadership, or selecting a development partner, holds significant importance. Catching lightning in a bottle twice is no small feat, but with a clear vision and the right team,Baldur’s Gate 4has the potential to honor its predecessorwhile carving out its own place in gaming history.
How Will Baldur’s Gate 4 Relate to Baldur’s Gate 3?
Just becauseBaldur’s Gate 3follows inBaldur’s Gate 2’s footsteps doesn’t mean it hesitated to leave its own mark on the larger history of Faerun. However, it did so with a balance of innovation and respect for the source material.Baldur’s Gate 3introduces another eldritch horror in the form ofmind flayersas its main evil, but still draws from the Bhaal influence as a persistent threat that endangers the heroes deep into Act 3.
There are opinions that the new game should stay closely aligned withBaldur’s Gate 3’s events. Others in the community believe thatBaldur’s Gate 4starting anewwould be best to avoid direct comparisons to what was arguably a masterpiece. Ultimately, the decision depends on Wizards of the Coast’s creative vision.
The game might focus on the Bhaalspawn threat, as inBaldur’s GateandBaldur’s Gate 2, or theillithid menace fromBaldur’s Gate 3. It could even forge a new path altogether. What is certain, however, is that it cannot completely break free of established conventions and still be considered aBaldur’s Gategame.
Will The Baldur’s Gate 3 Cast Make a Comeback?
Every element of theBG3productioncontributed to its overall success. From minor UI adjustments to significant story decisions, each detail contributed to makingBaldur’s Gate 3a game that resonated across audiences. One standout aspect that delighted fans was the incredibly talented cast, whose performances truly brought the companions to life.
WhileBG3made its own mark on the franchise’s story, it also embraced some of themost iconic characters fromBaldur’s GateandBaldur’s Gate 2. By revitalizing these characters,BG3introduced fans to familiar faces who quickly became modern favorites.
The stars of the game dedicated years to perfecting their performances, delivering some of the best acting in gaming over the past decade. And thecast ofBG3has expressed interest in revisiting roles, even independently of Larian’s involvement. This places a lot of pressure on WotC. AlthoughBaldur’s Gate 4might not focus onBG3’s heroes, it’s difficult to imagine the franchise’s future without characters like Jaheira or Astarion, who have become emblematic of the series.
The Biggest Question for Baldur’s Gate 4: What Studio Will Develop It?
To make a golden goose, Wizards of the Coast needs the right partner to help lay the golden egg. The million-dollar question is who will take the helm afterLarian Studios’ decision not to pursueBG4. As the most critical dilemma in theBaldur’s Gate 4equation, Wizards of the Coast faces the ultimate pressure when it comes to choosing the partner to developBG4. Perhaps what would serve Wizards of the Coast best in this scenario would be a keen grasp of what made Larian Studios the ideal partner to bringBaldur’s Gate 3to life.
Proven Veterans, No Matter The Size
Larian Studios had a strong track record supporting its bid forBaldur’s Gate 3.TheDivinityseriesproved that Larian understood what makes a high-fantasy RPG stand out in a market with competitors likeThe WitcherandDragon Age. It managed to achieve this even as a significantly smaller studio compared to most of the major players in the industry.
Any studio ultimately chosen forBaldur’s Gate 4should have a proven record of success. Whether it’s produced some of the industry’s top titles orindie gems, said track record should clearly demonstrate its capabilities.
Thinking Outside the Box
During development, Larian Studios took pride in granting its team strong creative freedom. It expanded what players believed was possible within an RPG, breaking those limits with a vast sandbox for experimentation. Choosing unconventional problem-solvingapproaches inBaldur’s Gate 3is arguably the most enjoyable way to play, reflecting Larian Studio’s confidence in their creation.
Larian Studios understood that it was offering the industry a daring project. Despite this, it remained committed, learning fromBaldur’s Gate 3’s Early Access phase and ultimately delivering what became2023’s Game of the Year. The studio working onBaldur’s Gate 4should be aware that player expectations for creativity are now extremely high.
The Ultimate Choice: External versus Internal Studio
Arguably, the most consequential decision Wizards of the Coast must make is whether to keepBaldur’s Gate 4development in-house or trust an external studio once again. Larian Studios was not part of WotC’s internal operations, and that creative distance allowed them to reimagineBaldur’s Gatewith boldness, care, and the unique identity that madeBG3a landmark title. That independence gave Larian room to experiment and ultimately deliver a game that players trusted and loved.
The internal development model could be one WotC could explore more seriously post-Exodus. And by hiring people like Corinne Busche for mysterious projects atSkeleton Key Studios, the rumors practically write themselves.
This internal model offers more control but also carries risk. Internal studios often struggle with the same red tape, resource limitations, or risk-averse decision-making that external partners can sidestep. But whether the next golden goose is raised internally or externally, the foundation has to be trust: trust in the team, trust in the audience, and trust in the storytelling power of the world it’s built.
A World After Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3didn’t just succeed as aD&Dgame; it became a new gold standard for CRPGs. Its success proved that players crave complex character interactions, truly branching narratives, and systems that reward creative thinking. The bar is now dramatically higher. Any sequel, spiritual successor, or newD&D-based gamewill inevitably be compared toBG3’s level of polish and responsiveness. Even veteran developers may struggle to meet the standard of care that Larian set, and it raises the question of whether that level of player freedom is sustainable in large-scale development going forward.
Filling Larian’s Shoes
Larian’s absence leaves a creative vacuum that’s hard to fill. Their distinct blend of dark humor, moral ambiguity, and earnest character writing is part ofwhat madeBG3feel so alive. It wasn’t just that the game worked; it was that it felt hand-crafted with reverence for both the source material and the player. Finding another studio with the same creative DNA will be one of WotC’s biggest challenges.
WhetherBaldur’s Gate 4ends up being a direct sequel or a new chapter entirely, players will be watching closely. The community that rallied behindBG3is passionate, vocal, and deeply connected to the world of Faerun. If Wizards of the Coast listens and partners with a team willing to do the work, there’s still every chance the next game could rise to the occasion.
