The release of the highly anticipated Patch 8 for Baldur’s Gate 3 has led to a significant increase in player numbers on Steam, positioning developer Larian Studios well for their next major project. This game-changing update, which launched last week, introduced 12 new subclasses and a brand new photo mode, sparking a surge in player interest and activity.
Over the weekend, Baldur’s Gate 3 reached a concurrent player peak of 169,267 on Steam—an impressive milestone for a single-player focused role-playing game now in its second year. While Sony and Microsoft keep PlayStation and Xbox player counts private, the surge on Steam is a clear indicator of the patch's impact.
Reflecting on Patch 8's release, Larian's chief, Swen Vincke, expressed optimism about the game's future, citing not only the immediate player boost but also the thriving mod support. "I expect Baldur’s Gate 3 to continue to do well for quite some time," Vincke tweeted. This sustained success, he added, allows Larian to shift focus towards creating their next major project. "We’ve got big shoes to fill," Vincke acknowledged, highlighting the pressure and excitement surrounding their future endeavors.
Patch 8 marks the final major update for Baldur’s Gate 3, concluding a period of remarkable achievement for Larian. The game launched to critical acclaim and commercial success in 2023, maintaining strong sales through 2024 and into 2025. Larian's decision to move away from Baldur’s Gate 3 and the Dungeons & Dragons franchise to work on a new, mysterious project has surprised many in the gaming community. The studio announced a media blackout to concentrate fully on this new venture.
Meanwhile, Dungeons & Dragons owner Hasbro has hinted at plans to continue the Baldur’s Gate series. Speaking at the Game Developers Conference, Hasbro's SVP of digital games, Dan Ayoub, mentioned that with Larian stepping away, "a lot of people [are] very interested in Baldur's Gate." Ayoub indicated that Hasbro is developing future plans and teased upcoming announcements. While he did not specify whether these plans involve a new Baldur’s Gate game or other forms of media, Ayoub expressed a desire for a Baldur’s Gate 4, though he noted that such a project would take time. "We're not in a hurry," he said, emphasizing a measured approach to future developments in the franchise.
