Baldur’s Gate 3 emerged victorious, claiming the prestigious Game of the Year title at the DICE Awards just last week. Unlike some other ceremonies, the developers were afforded ample time to deliver their acceptance speech, and they made sure every moment counted.
Larian Studios, the creative minds behind Baldur’s Gate 3, seized the opportunity to address not only their success but also the broader landscape of the gaming industry, emphasizing the significance of the player experience.
When Michael Douse, Larian’s director of publishing, stepped onto the stage, he opened with a candid acknowledgment of the human aspect of the industry juxtaposed against its sometimes harsh realities. He highlighted the industry’s tendency to undervalue its talent, particularly in light of the widespread layoffs that have plagued many game development studios in the past year.
Douse’s message resonated with a powerful reminder: “You are talented. You matter. You are the future of this industry.” Despite the challenges and uncertainties, he urged developers not to let their passion be extinguished by setbacks, emphasizing the resilience inherent within the community.
GOTY @larianstudios speech at DICE 2/2
"We ask you to pay one price only for the game, and that's it. You can own it for the rest of your life."
"Building a community, building a player base, building games that are actually fun is going to make you the most money." pic.twitter.com/XWdDn7nYTj
— Sarah M (@RetroCozyArt) February 16, 2024
Acknowledging the prevalent apprehension within the industry, Douse’s words were a rallying cry for solidarity and perseverance. “All of your projections are wrong, and it’s scary,” he admitted, yet remained steadfast in his belief that the industry would endure, welcoming back its displaced members with open arms.
Following Douse’s poignant address, David Walgrave, Larian’s head of production, took the stage to share insights into the studio’s approach to success. He underscored their commitment to prioritizing player satisfaction, framing decisions around the fundamental question: “What does the player want?”
Walgrave emphasized the studio’s ethos of pushing boundaries and defying skeptics, fueled by a relentless pursuit of fun and innovation. He emphasized Larian’s straightforward pricing model, which grants players ownership of the game for life, free from the constraints of additional fees or microtransactions.
Moreover, Walgrave articulated Larian’s ethos of treating players with the same respect and integrity they would expect as gamers themselves. Rejecting short-term profit-driven decisions, the studio remains steadfast in its belief that cultivating a vibrant community and crafting genuinely enjoyable experiences is the surest path to success.
Larian’s impassioned message reverberated across social media, drawing a stark contrast to recent statements from industry giants like Embracer. While some conglomerates prioritize shareholder value above all else, Larian stands as a beacon of integrity, committed to nurturing creativity and prioritizing player satisfaction above short-term gains.
In contrast, Embracer’s recent restructuring efforts have resulted in layoffs and project cancellations, underscoring the divergent paths taken within the industry. As debates surrounding the future of gaming continue to unfold, Larian’s steadfast dedication to its principles serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of creativity and community within the gaming landscape.
