Summary
WithBaldur’s Gate 3released to near-unanimous acclaim and Larian Studios crowned as one of the absolute best within its CRPG wheelhouse, many are wondering which IP it will tackle next. WhileDivinity: Original Sin 3is set to be next on its docket, beyond that there is a perfect fit for Larian to adapt its trademark quality to the world ofStar Wars,applying the lessons learned by developingBaldur’s Gate 3and adapting the common ground between fantasy and sci-fi.
ForBaldur’s Gate 3to become a front-runner for Game of the Year upon release is an admirable accolade, but to do so from a niche genre is a generational feat. Countless fans are being introduced to CRPGs for thefirst time throughBaldur’s Gate 3, falling in love with its sense of player agency, grandiose storytelling, and creative problem-solving. As their time with itwill eventually draw to a close, many will look to the past for similar titles that informedBaldur’s Gate 3’s design, and more still will look to the future, eager for what Larian Studios has in store next.
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The Stars Are Aligned For a Larian Star Wars Game
Now thatStar Warsis unshackled from its decade-spanning exclusivity agreement with EA, studios are lining up out the door to put unique spins on one of the world’s most cherished franchises. Ubisoft’sStar Wars Outlawsis set to be the first to release since its announcement while Quantic Dream’sStar Wars Eclipseis likely far off now, with many more hopefully to follow. AKnights of the Old Republicremake was announced back in 2021, and its announcement prompted a renewed interest in aKnights of the Old Republic 3. With its burgeoning renown, there might be no better studio to tackle the title than Larian Studios.
A CRPG with story beats that twist to a player’s moral choices and skill-check die rolls,Knights of the Old Republicas a template seems like a perfect fit for Larian.It does not have to beKnights of the Old Republic3, but when imagining what aStar Warsgame from the studio might look like, the outings from BioWare and Obsidian beg comparison. There are many parallels between the twoKOTORgames andBaldur’s Gate 3, even beyond the CRPG genre andDungeons and Dragonsruleset. The multiple avenues for conquering each game’s challenges, the freedom to align as any shade of gray from good to evil, and the depth of its combat all herald an indication that Larian would be the ideal landing spot for aStar WarsCRPG.
For Larian and Star Wars, There Are No Wrong Answers
Thoughsome eras ofStar Warsare currently more saturated with content than others, there are really no wrong answers to which Larian could adapt. A High Republic game where players explore untold worlds and more theological sects of the Jedi and Sith, almost to the point of feeling foreign to the underlying IP, could be the ideal canvas for Larian to shape in its image. A more familiar tale set within the New Republic era or the rise of the Empire could also fare well, with Larian fleshing out familiar characters the same way Dave Filoni has been able to do with the franchise.
No matter what the parameter might be, a coupling of Larian Studios andStar Warswould be a dream come true. The team has proved that creating a compelling hero’s journey across a universe in crisis is its forte, and now poised as a driving force in bringing CRPGs to the mainstream, thetiming is right for a newStar Warsgame in the genre.
Baldur’s Gate 3is available now on PC and launches September 6 on PS5, with an Xbox Series X/S port also in development.
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