Former technical director at Rockstar, Obbe Vermeij, has praised Larian Studios for their decision to step away from the highly successful Dungeons & Dragons franchise, describing it as a “courageous choice.” In a comprehensive interview with Games Hub, Vermeij reflected on the challenges of moving on from beloved properties, recalling his own departure from Rockstar North in 2009 after the release of iconic titles such as GTA 3, GTA 4, Vice City, and San Andreas. He suggested that Larian’s decision to not pursue a Baldur’s Gate 4 but rather create an entirely new game was indeed a “risky” venture.

“It’s refreshing to see Larian Studios, who recently developed Baldur’s Gate 3, boldly proclaim that they don’t want to create Baldur’s Gate 4, opting instead to develop something new,” he remarked. “This is a significant move. It’s not a straightforward decision, and it carries its share of risks. Sticking with a successful formula is certainly the easier path.”

Vermeij noted that, typically, studios with a hit title may find it tempting to integrate unconventional ideas into existing franchises instead of launching a brand-new game.

In related news, Larian is planning to conduct an AMA (Ask Me Anything) session in the upcoming year to discuss their exploration of generative AI, following a wave of criticism earlier this month. CEO Swen Vincke emphasized the importance of evaluating new technologies, stating that the company’s innovations stem from enabling employees to express their creativity in unique ways.

This comes on the heels of controversy surrounding Vincke’s comments to Bloomberg regarding the studio’s use of generative AI, although he clarified that their forthcoming Divinity game will not feature any AI-generated content.

Currently, Vermeij is engaged in developing Plentiful, a sandbox god game that allows players to shape landscapes, redirect rivers, and lead their civilizations through the challenges of a perilous Stone Age.