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Baldur’s Gate 4 should just be an “oversized expansion pack for Baldur’s Gate 3,” BioWare veteran says: “Get Larian to agree to license out the Divinity Engine”
A BioWare veteran has suggested that Baldur's Gate 4 should essentially function as an "oversized expansion pack" for Baldur's Gate 3, rather than a wholly separate sequel. The comment touches on an ongoing debate among role-playing game fans about how the next instalment in the beloved franchise should be developed, given that Larian Studios' 2023 entry became a critical and commercial phenomenon using its own Divinity Engine.
The suggestion specifically proposes that BioWare, or whichever studio takes on Baldur's Gate 4, should seek to license Larian's Divinity Engine rather than building a new technical foundation from scratch. The full detail of the article could not be retrieved, as the source content was unavailable beyond the headline and introductory framing.
In short
- BioWare veteran suggests Baldur's Gate 4 build on Baldur's Gate 3's engine
- Idea proposes licensing Larian's Divinity Engine for continuity
- Reflects fan debate over the next Baldur's Gate game's direction
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Building on Baldur's Gate 3's demonstrated excellence through a licensed Divinity Engine offers pragmatic benefits: the 2023 game achieved unprecedented critical and commercial success with that technology, players are already familiar with its systems and capabilities, and iterating on proven foundations reduces development risk whilst allowing studios to allocate resources more efficiently towards content creation rather than engine development from scratch.
The case against
A numbered sequel merits significant technological innovation and creative independence that developing a proprietary engine affords; licensing another studio's technology may impose constraints on system design and engine customisation, whilst audiences purchasing a new instalment of the franchise typically expect marked technical progress and fresh gameplay innovations rather than an expansion-scale iteration upon existing frameworks.
Explained simply
Baldur's Gate is a beloved role-playing game series based on Dungeons & Dragons. The franchise had not released a major instalment for many years until Larian Studios launched Baldur's Gate 3 in 2023.
Baldur's Gate 3 became a phenomenon, winning numerous awards and attracting millions of players worldwide. Larian Studios developed it using its own Divinity Engine, the proprietary technology that powers the studio's games.
The success of Baldur's Gate 3 has raised important questions about how the franchise should develop next. Decisions about which studio develops future games and what technical approach they use will significantly shape the direction of the beloved series.