Larian Studios’ Next Game Will Also “Probably” Launch in Early Access First

"When you release a game in AAA, [if] you don't have early access, you're taking a huge bet on the fact that this is good and people like it," says director of publishing Michael Douse.

Posted By | On 09th, Apr. 2024

Baldur's Gate 3_08

Larian Studios has enjoyed widespread success with both Divinity: Original Sin games and, of course, Baldur’s Gate 3, and it’s no coincidence that all three had lengthy and successful early access periods. And though there isn’t much clarity yet on what the studio’s next game will end up being (other than the fact that it won’t be related to Baldur’s Gate or Dungeons and Dragons), it’s also likely to release as an early access title before getting its global launch.

That’s as per Larian Studios’ director of publishing Michael Douse, who said in a recent interview with Game File that the developer’s next game “will also probably be in early access”. According to Douse, not only is the early access route in keeping with Larian’s focus on having “a constant dialogue with the players”, it also helps a lot of the inherent risks involved with AAA development and publishing.

“This is the only way to do it now, especially if you consider the fact that the whole point of this stuff is to create social resonance, to create a situation where you have a constant dialogue with the players,” Douse said. “Our next – whatever the next thing will be – will also probably be in early access. That way you remove a lot of the prediction, too. When you release a game in AAA, whatever method, [if] you don’t have early access, you’re taking a huge bet on the fact that this is good and people like it. In early access, you find out very quickly. It helps you steer the massive ship.”

Little is known about Larian Studios’ next game so far, and it’s likely that the developer won’t be saying much about it for quite some time. All we know is that it won’t be Divinity: Original Sin 3, and that it’ll be “different” from the sort of games the studio has made in the past.


Amazing Articles You Might Want To Check Out!

Share Your Thoughts Below  (Always follow our comments policy!)



Keep On Reading!

Destiny 2 Xur Inventory – Arbalest, Raiju’s Harness, The Stag and More

Destiny 2 Xur Inventory – Arbalest, Raiju’s Harness, The Stag and More

Though not quite fit for long-time players, Xur's current inventory offers some pretty good choices for newcom...

Valve is Working on a 6v6 Hero Shooter Called Deadlock – Rumour

Valve is Working on a 6v6 Hero Shooter Called Deadlock – Rumour

The game has been in development since 2018 and was previously known as Citadel, a fresh leak has claimed.

Sony is Working on a New PlayStation Handheld That Natively Runs PS4 Games – Rumour

Sony is Working on a New PlayStation Handheld That Natively Runs PS4 Games – Rumour

Sony might be planning more forays into the portable gaming space, as per a journalist's fresh claims.

Take-Two Interactive’s Recently Cancelled Titles Were Not from Any “Core Franchises”

Take-Two Interactive’s Recently Cancelled Titles Were Not from Any “Core Franchises”

The cancelled titles "were not expected to materially affect our net bookings growth," says Take-Two president...

F1 24’s New Dynamic Handling System “Represents a Significant Shift in the Racing Experience,” Director Says

F1 24’s New Dynamic Handling System “Represents a Significant Shift in the Racing Experience,” Director Says

"Particularly for seasoned fans who prefer minimal or no assists while playing," says senior creative director...

Black Myth: Wukong Receives Promising New Trailer Ahead of August Release

Black Myth: Wukong Receives Promising New Trailer Ahead of August Release

Game Science has released a new trailer for its upcoming Soulslike action RPG, offering further glimpses at co...