# The Future of Baldur’s Gate: Who Might Succeed Larian?
The tremendous success of Larian Studios’ Baldur’s Gate 3 has reignited interest in the franchise and raised questions about who might take up the mantle for potential future installments in the series. As the gaming community eagerly speculates, two developers have emerged as noteworthy contenders: Archetype Entertainment, the studio behind the upcoming sci-fi RPG *Exodus*, and Owlcat Games, known for their work on CRPGs like *Pathfinder: Kingmaker* and *Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader*.
## Archetype Entertainment: A Consideration for the Future
Archetype Entertainment, led by former BioWare employee James Ohlen, was reportedly offered the opportunity to develop Baldur’s Gate 4. In discussing this potential project, Ohlen explained that the complexity and expectations surrounding a title like Baldur’s Gate 4 made it a daunting task. The studio opted not to pursue this path, focusing instead on delivering a high-quality experience with their current title, *Exodus*.
The ghost of games past casts a long shadow, and the pressure to meet the franchise’s legacy is immense. The decision to step away from this responsibility allows Archetype to channel their expertise into creating a unique RPG narrative without the weight of immediate expectations.
## Owlcat Games: A Rising Challenger
On the other hand, Owlcat Games has expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of developing a new entry in the Baldur’s Gate series. Co-founder Alexander Mishulin indicated in an interview that while the studio is currently busy with two major projects—*The Expanse: Osiris Reborn* and *Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy*—they view the opportunity to tackle Baldur’s Gate 4 as a “great honour.”
With the studio having reportedly expanded to around 600 employees, they are in a strong position to manage multiple projects simultaneously. However, the challenges of balancing these ambitious titles without diluting their quality pose significant hurdles. Mishulin reassured fans that Owlcat remains committed to CRPGs, highlighting their passion for the genre even as they explore new approaches.
## The Controversy Surrounding Owlcat
Despite their talent, Owlcat Games has faced scrutiny over allegations related to their origins in Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Some staff members have been accused of making derogatory comments about Ukrainians, as well as engaging in recruitment practices within the disputed region of Crimea. Owlcat has addressed these claims, emphasizing their dedication to creating games while distancing themselves from any political affiliations.
This controversy complicates their standing in the community, which may impact perceptions of their ability to take on a franchise as beloved as Baldur’s Gate. Nevertheless, the studio’s robust growth and proven track record in CRPG development may render them viable candidates for the task.
## The Future Outlook
While both Archetype Entertainment and Owlcat Games have their strengths and challenges, neither seems poised to release a Baldur’s Gate 4 in the immediate future. With Larian’s success looming large, any successor will need to rise to high expectations.
Currently, the likelihood of either studio stepping into this role may depend on the strategic decisions made by Hasbro, the parent company of Dungeons & Dragons and the Baldur’s Gate franchise. If their focus shifts away from in-house projects and delays future developments, opportunities could arise for other studios in the years to come.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the anticipation for who will succeed Larian and carry on the legacy of Baldur’s Gate remains a hot topic among fans. The combination of developers committed to the craft and the ever-changing industry dynamics ensures that discussions on the series’ future will continue.
