It’s interesting to note that had Larian Games not landed the Baldur’s Gate license from Wizards of the Coast, they could have potentially ventured into developing a triple-A Fallout cRPG. This revelation comes from a recent EDGE Magazine interview with Larian CEO Swen Vincke.
Vincke expressed his belief that to break through the perceived glass ceiling, the studio needed the resources and prestige associated with a triple-A production, which titles like Ultima, Fallout, and Baldur’s Gate epitomized. While Ultima may have lost some relevance over time, Fallout remained a strong contender. However, securing the Fallout IP from Bethesda, who has been protective of the franchise, would have presented its own set of challenges.
Nonetheless, Larian’s journey took a different turn as they eventually acquired the Baldur’s Gate license, albeit after some setbacks. The initial design document for Baldur’s Gate 3 sent to Wizards of the Coast was deemed subpar due to the team’s focus on Divinity Original Sin 2. After a candid feedback exchange, Larian got another opportunity to refine their proposal, leading to the successful development of Baldur’s Gate 3.
Looking at the broader market, fans yearning for a Fallout-esque cRPG experience have alternatives like inXile’s Wasteland 3, along with indie gems such as Encased and the ATOM RPG series to explore.
