Baldur's Gate 4 is at least five years away from release, as developers continue to turn down the opportunity to create a sequel to the 2023 Game of the Year winner. James Ohlen, co-lead designer of Baldur's Gate 2, has become the latest to decline the project, telling Hasbro bluntly that he would fail if he attempted it.
Why Developers Are Avoiding Baldur's Gate 4
Baldur's Gate 3, developed by Larian Studios, was a monumental success, winning numerous Game of the Year awards and setting a new standard for RPGs. However, Larian chose to step away from the franchise to focus on new intellectual property, leaving Hasbro searching for a new studio. Ohlen, who has a deep history with the series, revealed in an interview with PC Gamer that he also turned down the opportunity.
“I don't, I would fail, and here's why I would fail,” Ohlen told Hasbro. He explained that competing against Baldur's Gate 3 would be “insanity,” especially given the immense expectations and the technical challenge of building a new game from scratch.
The Technical and Creative Hurdles
Ohlen highlighted that Larian built Baldur's Gate 3 using their own proprietary engine, meaning any sequel would require starting from ground zero. This process, he estimated, would take at least five years. “We're talking about at least half a decade of horror, building all that stuff,” he said.
The scale and quality of Baldur's Gate 3 have set a high bar, making it daunting for any developer to follow. Ohlen, who is currently working on the game Exodus, noted that even that project is challenging enough without the added pressure of a BG3 comparison.
What This Means for Fans
As a result, Baldur's Gate 4 remains in development limbo. Hasbro has yet to announce a new studio to take on the project, and the timeline for any potential sequel is uncertain. Fans may have to wait at least half a decade before seeing a new entry in the beloved series.
