Baldur's Gate 3 Surges on Steam Post-Patch 8, Larian Shifts Focus to Next Big Project

Following the release of the highly anticipated Patch 8, Baldur's Gate 3 has experienced a significant surge in player numbers on Steam. This update has not only revitalized the game's community but also positioned developer Larian Studios favorably as they shift focus to their next major project.

Patch 8, which launched last week, introduced 12 new subclasses and a new photo mode to Baldur's Gate 3. The excitement around these additions led to a weekend peak of 169,267 concurrent players on Steam—an impressive achievement for a single-player focused RPG in its second year. While Sony and Microsoft keep PlayStation and Xbox player counts private, the Steam numbers alone highlight the game's enduring popularity.

Reflecting on the impact of Patch 8, Larian's CEO Swen Vincke expressed optimism about the game's future. In a tweet, Vincke noted that the patch has brought many players back to the game and, combined with thriving mod support, he believes Baldur's Gate 3 will continue to perform well. This success provides Larian with the space to concentrate on their next ambitious project, which Vincke acknowledges will have "big shoes to fill."

Patch 8 marks the final major update for Baldur's Gate 3, concluding a remarkable period for Larian. The game, which launched to critical acclaim and achieved significant commercial success in 2023, has maintained strong sales into 2025. Larian has since announced their departure from the Baldur's Gate and Dungeons & Dragons universe to work on a new, undisclosed game, initiating a media blackout to focus on this mystery project.

Meanwhile, Dungeons & Dragons owner Hasbro has hinted at continuing the Baldur's Gate series. Speaking at the Game Developers Conference, Hasbro's SVP of digital games, Dan Ayoub, revealed that with Larian moving on, there is considerable interest in the Baldur's Gate franchise. Ayoub mentioned that Hasbro is developing plans for the future and teased that announcements could be forthcoming. While he did not specify whether these plans involve a new Baldur's Gate game or another type of project, Ayoub expressed a desire for a Baldur's Gate 4, though he acknowledged that such a development would take time.

Ayoub emphasized a measured approach to the franchise's future, indicating that Hasbro is exploring various possibilities and is ready to start sharing more details soon. This cautious yet proactive stance suggests that fans of the Baldur's Gate series can look forward to new developments in the near future.