Baldur's Gate 3 Player Surge Post-Patch 8, Larian Eyes Next Big Project

The release of Patch 8 for Baldur’s Gate 3 has significantly boosted player numbers on Steam, setting developer Larian up for success as they transition to their next major project. Patch 8, which launched last week, introduced 12 new subclasses and a brand new photo mode, sparking a surge in player interest and engagement. Over the weekend, Baldur’s Gate 3 achieved a concurrent player peak of 169,267 on Steam, an impressive milestone for a single-player focused role-playing game in its second year. While Sony and Microsoft keep PlayStation and Xbox player numbers private, the surge on Steam is a clear indicator of the game's ongoing popularity.

Reflecting on the impact of Patch 8, Larian's chief, Swen Vincke, expressed optimism about the game's future. In a tweet, Vincke noted that the player boost from Patch 8, combined with the thriving mod support, suggests that Baldur’s Gate 3 will continue to perform well for a considerable time. This success provides Larian with the opportunity to concentrate on their next ambitious project. Vincke emphasized the importance of this focus, stating, "We've got big shoes to fill."

Patch 8 marks the final major update for Baldur’s Gate 3, concluding what has been an extraordinary journey for Larian. The game, which launched to widespread critical acclaim and achieved significant commercial success in 2023, has maintained strong sales throughout 2024 and into 2025. In a surprising move, Larian announced their departure from the Baldur’s Gate series and Dungeons & Dragons to work on a new, undisclosed game, subsequently imposing a media blackout to focus on this mysterious project.

Meanwhile, D&D owner Hasbro has hinted at plans to continue the Baldur’s Gate series. Speaking at the Game Developers Conference, Dan Ayoub, SVP of digital games at Hasbro, revealed that with Larian moving on, there is substantial interest in the Baldur’s Gate franchise. Ayoub indicated that Hasbro is actively planning for the future of the series and teased that they will soon have more to share. While he did not specify whether this would involve a new Baldur's Gate game or another type of project, Ayoub expressed a desire for a Baldur's Gate 4, acknowledging that such a project would take time to develop. He emphasized a measured approach, noting that Hasbro is not in a rush and is considering various strategies for the franchise's future.