Larian

Larian Studios, commonly known simply as Larian, is a Belgian video game developer and publisher based in Ghent. Founded in 1996 by Swen Vincke, the studio began with traditional action RPGs and later shifted to expansive, narrative-driven role-playing games. Larian's games are characterized by cooperative play, flexible combat systems, and highly interactive environments.

Early titles include Divine Divinity (2002) and Divinity II: Ego Draconis (2009). The breakthrough came with Divinity: Original Sin (2014), a turn-based, party-based RPG that emphasized player choice and environmental interaction. The sequel, Divinity: Original Sin 2 (2017), received widespread critical acclaim for its depth, world-building, and multiplayer flexibility, earning multiple awards and appearing on numerous best-of lists.

Baldur's Gate III (2023) marked a high-profile milestone, adapting Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition rules within Larian's strategic, isometric RPG framework. Development began after licensing from Wizards of the Coast, with early access in 2020 and full PC release in 2023, followed by console versions.

Organizationally, Larian remains an independent studio. It develops its own in-house engine and tools, and has expanded from a small team to a large international studio with multiple projects in development simultaneously. The company's work has influenced modern Western RPGs through its emphasis on co-op play, branching narratives, and interactive worlds.