Larian Unveils Divinity: The Studio’s Biggest RPG Yet, Set to Eclipse Baldur’s Gate 3

Larian Studios Announces Divinity, Its Most Ambitious RPG Yet

In a moment that sent shockwaves through the RPG community, Larian Studios took center stage at The Game Awards 2025 to reveal its next major project: Divinity. The announcement was preceded by weeks of speculation, fueled by a mysterious desert statue and a trademark filing that gave fans and sleuths plenty to chew on. But as the curtain lifted, Larian made it clear: Divinity is not just another entry—it’s their largest and boldest endeavor to date, promising to eclipse the monumental success of Baldur’s Gate 3.

A Darker, More Expansive Fantasy World

The reveal trailer set an unmistakably dark tone, diverging from the typical fantasy fare. It depicted a medieval festival morphing into something far more sinister: peasants celebrating outside a giant wicker man as a tortured figure burned inside, overseen by masked cultists. As blood seeped into the soil, otherworldly forces erupted, culminating in a gruesome amalgamation of bodies forming the enigmatic desert statue that had sparked so much online debate. For those expecting a mere sequel, it was a visceral declaration that Larian is ready to push boundaries, both narratively and visually.

The official press release reinforced this ambition. “The gods are silent. Rivellon bleeds. New powers stir,” it read, hinting at a world in turmoil and transformation. The studio emphasized that Divinity is “a brand new game” and that prior experience with the franchise is not required—though veterans of Divinity: Original Sin and its sequel will find deeper layers of continuity and understanding woven into the new narrative. In the words of Swen Vincke, Larian’s founder and CEO, “We’re ready to bring everything we’ve done previously into one place. This marks the beginning of something with more breadth, depth, and intimacy than anything we’ve created before.” (PC Gamer, IGN)

Not Original Sin 3, But a Return to Rivellon

For many, the expectation was that Larian would follow up its critically acclaimed Divinity: Original Sin series with a third installment. Instead, the studio has chosen a cleaner approach: simply Divinity. Publishing director Michael Douse clarified, “there aren’t currently any plans for a new Divinity Original Sin 3 game.” The new title represents both a continuation and a fresh start, set in the beloved world of Rivellon but welcoming newcomers with a completely standalone story.

Divinity marks the first time Larian has released a game under this straightforward title, despite a long lineage that includes Divine Divinity (2000), Beyond Divinity (2004), Divinity 2: Ego Draconis (2009), and Divinity: Original Sin (2014) and its sequel (2017). The studio’s approach to continuity has always been flexible, often rewriting aspects of the world and its characters to suit new creative directions. As with previous entries, players can expect surprises and bold narrative choices that challenge established lore and fan expectations (GamesRadar).

The Hellstone Statue and Larian’s Community-Driven Reveal

The enigmatic Hellstone statue, which appeared in a desert and later outside The Game Awards venue in Los Angeles, was more than a marketing stunt. According to Larian’s publishing lead, it was meant as a physical monument for the studio’s international teams and global community—a symbol of the craft and artistry that goes into their games. The reveal was punctuated by live performances and a high-wire act, reflecting Larian’s flair for showmanship and engagement.

This sense of community is not just for show. Larian’s RPGs have consistently fostered passionate followings, with Divinity: Original Sin 2 and Baldur’s Gate 3 both earning top accolades for their systems-driven gameplay and deep narrative choices. As Douse explained, “We wanted people to get excited for the next big game on their list, and we wanted to do it in a way that employed skill & craft, by hand, to drive people outside to see it, and to talk about it.” (GamesRadar)

What We Know—and Don’t Know—About Divinity

Despite the dramatic reveal, details about Divinity remain tightly under wraps. There is no gameplay footage, no announced platforms, and no release window. Larian has not confirmed whether it will follow the early access model that helped shape Baldur’s Gate 3 into a genre-defining hit. The studio has promised further updates, including gameplay demonstrations and platform specifics, in the months to come (Twisted Voxel).

What is clear is the scale of ambition. Divinity is being developed by the same team that led Baldur’s Gate 3, bringing lessons learned from that landmark project to bear on a world that is both familiar and transformed. The narrative is expected to be more intimate, with greater breadth and depth, aiming to set new standards for what a modern CRPG can be.

Larian’s decision to return to its own intellectual property, rather than pursue another Dungeons & Dragons title, is strategic. The studio now commands a global audience, with the success of Baldur’s Gate 3 raising expectations—and stakes—for its next creation. As Swen Vincke admitted, “I don’t think I’ve ever been so nervous about an announcement as this one.” That vulnerability speaks to the weight of anticipation and the studio’s commitment to delivering something truly memorable.

Why Divinity Matters for RPG Fans

Divinity stands at a crossroads for both its studio and the RPG genre. Larian has built a reputation for systemic design, rich storytelling, and player agency. With Divinity, the studio signals a willingness to take risks—embracing darkness, complexity, and scale. For longtime fans of Rivellon, the return is a homecoming; for newcomers, it’s an invitation to explore a world shaped by decades of creative evolution.

As the RPG landscape shifts, with competitors and fans alike watching closely, Divinity’s unveiling is a statement: Larian Studios is not resting on its laurels. The project’s secrecy, spectacle, and ambition have set the stage for what could be the next defining chapter in role-playing games.

Larian’s announcement of Divinity is more than a trailer—it’s a promise to challenge conventions and raise the bar for RPGs. By returning to Rivellon with unprecedented ambition, the studio invites players to join in a journey that honors legacy while daring to reinvent itself. The lack of concrete details only heightens anticipation, and if Larian’s track record is any guide, Divinity may well become the new benchmark for immersive, player-driven storytelling.