Reviving a Legacy: Larian Studios Eyes Ultima's Future Amid Baldur's Gate 3 Success

The journey of Baldur's Gate 3 has set a new benchmark for upcoming role-playing games, while also paying homage to classic titles like Ultima. The developers at Larian Studios have expressed their admiration for this legendary series, hinting that a revival could be a possibility in the future. The Ultima series, originally crafted by Origin Systems under the vision of Richard Garriott, holds a prestigious place in the gaming universe and evokes strong feelings of nostalgia for Swen Vincke, the founder of Larian. He, alongside the Baldur's Gate 3 team, has articulated his appreciation for the franchise, particularly for Ultima 7.

Adam Smith, a writer for Baldur's Gate 3, shared his enthusiasm in an interview with PC Gamer, declaring that while he holds a deep affection for Ultima 4, 5, and 6, Ultima 7 stands out as possibly his top game. Earlier this year, Vincke revealed that before committing to Baldur's Gate 3, Larian had contemplated three iconic RPGs, Ultima being one of them. The devotion to this series is evident, yet the task of revitalizing it presents its own set of challenges. Smith pointed out that while Ultima's Virtue System and unique puzzle-solving mechanics are intriguing, they might not hold the same novelty today. He posed the question, what would it mean to seek peaceful resolutions? Smith acknowledges that while this concept is thought-provoking, it has become a commonplace theme in contemporary RPGs, making it less groundbreaking than before.

This dilemma also surfaces as the team strives to create a new RPG that distinguishes itself from Baldur's Gate 3—what uncharted territory remains to be explored? As for future endeavors, although Larian's next two projects are set to be original creations, devoid of any connection to Ultima or a potential Baldur's Gate 4, Vincke has not entirely dismissed the idea of working on the Ultima franchise. His sentiment of "never say never" hints at possibilities ahead. He also mentioned an enigmatic developer with a notable passion for Ultima that he hopes to collaborate with, suggesting that the future holds unexpected avenues. For those needing extra guidance, consider checking our detailed resources regarding Baldur's Gate 3.