Divinity: Original Sin 2 was released in September 2017, a pivotal time for Larian Studios as they had just secured a crucial deal with Wizards of the Coast to develop Baldur’s Gate 3. Despite this success, the Larian team was heavily focused on the final phase of Divinity: Original Sin 2, leaving them with little energy to properly pitch a design document for Baldur’s Gate 3.
In an interview with Edge, Vincke recalled the stressful scenario where the team had to quickly produce a design document for the publisher. Larian Studios’ key developers, including Vincke, gathered in a hotel room to hurriedly draft the proposal. Vincke described the document as subpar, acknowledging their inability to fully focus due to their commitment to Divinity: Original Sin 2.
Wizards of the Coast’s initial reaction to the document was notably negative, delivering harsh feedback. Larian Studios, fully aware of the document’s shortcomings, pleaded for an extension, explaining their situation and the concurrent game release. Fortunately, Wizards of the Coast granted them more time, allowing Larian to refine their pitch.
This extension proved crucial, as it eventually led to the development of Baldur’s Gate 3, a game that has since become a favorite among RPG enthusiasts. Had Wizards of the Coast not been understood, the landscape of RPG gaming might have been significantly different, possibly missing out on one of its most beloved titles.
