Divinity can wait: Baldur’s Gate 3 boss Swen Vincke “not expecting anyone” at Larian’s Barcelona studio to show up following Spain’s World Cup win
Larian Studios boss Swen Vincke has joked that he doesn't expect any staff to turn up at the developer's Barcelona office after Spain's World Cup victory, acknowledging that football celebrations are likely to take precedence over work at the Baldur's Gate 3 studio. The comment, made in good humour, reflects the scale of national celebration following Spain's win and highlights the light-hearted relationship Vincke maintains with his development teams across Larian's various international studios.
Larian Studios, best known for the critically acclaimed Baldur's Gate 3, operates multiple studios worldwide, including one in Barcelona, Spain. Vincke's remark suggests he is giving staff leeway to enjoy the national celebrations rather than expecting business as usual, a light-hearted gesture from the studio head rather than a formal announcement of closure or delay to any ongoing projects.
In short
- Larian boss jokes no Barcelona staff will show up after Spain's win
- Comment reflects Spain's World Cup celebration mood
- Vincke shows relaxed, humorous approach to studio management
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Major national sporting victories are genuinely rare moments that most people experience only a handful of times in their lives, and experienced leadership recognises that the memory of sharing such celebrations with one's community far outweighs routine work tasks. Vincke's comment reflects the understanding that employee morale, loyalty, and long-term engagement actually improve when employers acknowledge that meaningful life moments matter, suggesting that wisdom lies in permitting staff to participate in something genuinely important to them.
The case against
Professional organisations need consistent work standards and reliable timelines to serve their audiences and maintain fairness across international teams. Whilst celebrations are understandable, encouraging widespread absences risks establishing unclear professional expectations and potentially affecting project schedules; businesses require clarity that work commitments remain reliable, not negotiable based on external events.
Explained simply
Larian Studios is a video game developer best known for creating Baldur's Gate 3, a critically acclaimed game that has become one of the most successful releases in recent years. The company operates studios across multiple countries, including a significant office in Barcelona, Spain, led by founder and chief executive Swen Vincke.
Spain has just won the World Cup, the world's most prestigious international football tournament that takes place every four years. Major World Cup victories typically spark large-scale national celebrations, with public festivities often taking precedence over routine daily activities and work.