Larian Studios, having achieved monumental success with Baldur's Gate 3, is now directing its creative energies back to its proprietary fantasy universe with an upcoming role-playing game simply titled 'Divinity'. This new endeavor is touted as the studio's most ambitious undertaking yet, promising an expansive experience within the familiar realm of Rivellon, a setting beloved by fans of the Divinity: Original Sin series. While details remain somewhat shrouded, expectations are high for a game that will uphold Larian's reputation for intricate storytelling, deep character development, and engaging gameplay, all set against a backdrop of diverse races and captivating lore.
Following the significant achievement of Baldur's Gate 3, Larian Studios has affirmed its position as a leading developer in the RPG genre. The studio's newfound creative freedom allows them to explore their original fantasy world, Rivellon, which is known for its unique inhabitants, such as the prominent red lizardmen and elves with unusual dietary preferences. The new 'Divinity' title is envisioned as Larian's most extensive and ambitious project to date, suggesting a scale and depth that could surpass even their previous blockbusters.
As of now, a definitive release date or even a release year for 'Divinity' remains unconfirmed. This uncertainty has led to much speculation within the gaming community regarding the development timeline. Larian boss Swen Vincke hinted at the project's intensive development phase in April 2025, describing the studio as being 'deep in the trenches' with its next major title. Vincke's comments suggest a long-term vision, indicating that fans might have to wait several years before the game fully materializes.
Comparing the development cycle of 'Divinity' to that of Baldur's Gate 3 offers some insight into Larian's potential pace. Baldur's Gate 3 progressed from its initial design document submission in summer 2017 to its first trailer in June 2019, followed by an early access launch in October 2020, and finally, its full release in August 2023. This timeline suggests that even with a robust development team, major RPGs require substantial time and effort. Given that 'Divinity' is described as an even larger project, it might not adhere to the same accelerated schedule, especially if Larian opts for an early access phase.
The narrative of the new 'Divinity' game is expected to be set in Rivellon, a world already rich with history and lore from previous Divinity titles. The reveal trailer showcased a dramatic scene featuring a man being immolated during a bustling summer festival, hinting at a darker tone with elements of ritual sacrifice and mystical phenomena. This imagery, including the appearance of a 'Hellstone' portal, suggests a major, world-altering event that will serve as the game's inciting incident. However, drawing parallels with Baldur's Gate 3's initial trailer, which also featured body horror elements but led to a more balanced heroic fantasy experience, suggests that 'Divinity' might ultimately blend its darker moments with a broader heroic narrative.
For newcomers to the Divinity universe, Larian Studios has clarified that the new game will be a standalone experience, not requiring prior knowledge of its predecessors. While existing fans will appreciate the deeper connections and Easter eggs, new players can jump in without feeling lost. This approach mirrors how other RPG series, like Obsidian's Pillars of Eternity to Avowed transition, maintain a familiar setting while offering an accessible entry point for new audiences.
Beyond its setting and narrative hints, Larian has confirmed 'Divinity' will be an RPG with a scope larger than Baldur's Gate 3. While some gameplay mechanics remain speculative, it's reasonable to expect features characteristic of Larian's games: a potential early access launch, engaging turn-based combat (a subject of current debate among fans), an emphasis on player agency and discovery, four-player co-op, and a cast of companions with personal quests and romance options. And, true to Larian's style, players can likely anticipate interactions with numerous talking animals, adding a whimsical touch to the epic adventure.
The creative freedom Larian Studios now enjoys, stemming from the critical and commercial triumph of Baldur's Gate 3, has paved the way for 'Divinity' to become their most ambitious and expansive project yet. This new RPG will delve deeper into the beloved fantasy realm of Rivellon, promising a rich tapestry of lore, character-driven narratives, and the signature gameplay mechanics that have defined the studio's success. While the exact launch remains an anticipated mystery, the journey back to Rivellon is poised to be an epic one, captivating both long-time fans and new adventurers alike.
