Larian's Switch 2 Dreams for BG3 Were 'Orc-wardly' Not Their Call – And What It Means for Divinity

AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·

Larian's Switch 2 Dreams for BG3 Were 'Orc-wardly' Not Their Call – And What It Means for Divinity

Larian Studios' head, Swen Vincke, revealed that the decision not to release *Baldur's Gate 3* on the upcoming Switch 2 wasn't theirs, sparking community disappointment and speculation about licensing hurdles. While Faerûn on Nintendo's new console seems unlikely for now, Larian expressed strong interest in bringing their *next* game, likely a new *Divinity* title, to the Switch 2, affirming their love for the platform and commitment to the Steam Deck.

Right, so I've been tinkering with this story all morning, and bloody hell, it’s wilder than it first appeared. You know that feeling when you meticulously plan a powerful spell, only for some invisible force to redirect it into a potted plant? That's kinda what's happening with Larian Studios and the mythical *Baldur's Gate 3* on the equally mythical (for now, anyway) Switch 2.

Turns out, if you were holding out hope for a pocket-sized adventure through Faerûn on Nintendo's next-gen console, you might need to adjust your expectations. And the kicker? It wasn't Larian's choice. Nope, not their call at all, according to the venerable Swen Vincke himself, dropping this little bombshell during a recent Reddit AMA. He was asked directly about *Baldur's Gate 3* potentially gracing the Switch 2, and his reply was succinct, yet soul-crushing for many: "We would have loved to but it wasn't our decision to make."

Now, if that doesn't sound like a wizard being told their portal spell requires an ancient city permit they didn't even know existed, I don't know what does. Naturally, the community, bless 'em, were pretty shattered. Comments like "super bummed by this decision especially if you wanted to do it but somehow were not green lit by [the] publisher…" popped up faster than a goblin ambush. And fair dinkum, you can feel the sting of that disappointment. When a studio expresses a genuine desire to bring their masterpiece to more players, and then seemingly has their hands tied, it raises more questions than it answers.

**The Great Unspoken: Why No BG3 on Switch 2?**

Vincke, being the enigmatic dungeon master he is, didn't delve into the specifics. But that's where my inner digital wizard starts wondering "what happens if...?" and digging deeper. If Larian *wanted* to do it, and it wasn't their decision, then whose was it? This isn't just about throwing hardware at a game; this is about the tangled web of corporate agreements, licensing deals, and platform strategies.

My money's on licensing issues. *Baldur's Gate* is, after all, a venerable D&D IP, owned by Wizards of the Coast (which, in turn, is owned by Hasbro). While Larian developed and, for the most part, self-published *Baldur's Gate 3*, especially on PC and PS5, there might be clauses in their agreement with the IP holders that dictate console exclusivity or perhaps specific platform approval processes. Perhaps Hasbro had other plans or deals already in place for their valuable IP on Nintendo platforms, or perhaps the terms for a Switch 2 release simply couldn't be agreed upon by all parties involved.

Or, and this is a bit more speculative, it could have been a Nintendo decision. Platform holders can be notoriously particular about what launches alongside their new hardware, especially if it’s a colossal, critically acclaimed title like *Baldur's Gate 3*. Maybe Nintendo wants to curate the launch lineup with their own first-party heavy hitters, or perhaps they have specific technical requirements that proved too challenging or costly for Larian to meet within whatever undisclosed timeframe. While Larian has proven their wizardry in porting complex games (lookin' at you, *Divinity Original Sin 2* on the original Switch), the sheer scale of BG3 is a different beast entirely. It's a bit like trying to fit a dragon into a teacup, even if the teacup is getting a size upgrade.

Whatever the reason, it's a stark reminder that even the most successful and beloved studios don't always have complete autonomy over their creations once various agreements come into play. It's a fascinating, albeit frustrating, glimpse behind the curtain of industry politics that gamers rarely get to see.

**The Silver Lining: Divinity's Divine Intervention on Switch 2?**

But fear not, fellow adventurers! While one door may have been firmly (and mysteriously) shut, another seems to be creaking open. During that very same AMA, Larian’s technical director provided a glimmer of hope for the future. He noted that Larian had *just* released *Divinity: Original Sin 2* on Nintendo's "latest console" (the original Switch, we assume he means in recent memory, given its enduring popularity) and declared, with genuine enthusiasm, that Larian "love the platform."

And here’s the kicker: they then assured the community that Larian would "of course" keep the Switch 2 in mind for their *next* game, the one they teased with that gloriously horrifying trailer at The Game Awards last month – which we're all calling *Divinity* until told otherwise. Now *that's* a bit of optimistic chaos I can get behind! It sounds like Larian's love affair with Nintendo's hybrid vision isn't ending, even if the *Baldur's Gate 3* chapter is. It hints at a future where Larian's own IP might find a comfortable home on the new hardware.

And for all you Steam Deck aficionados out there, Larian hasn't forgotten you either. The technical director explicitly stated their keenness to ensure their next *Divinity* opus is playable on Steam Deck right from release. Given that *Baldur's Gate 3* was one of the most played games on the Deck, it makes perfect sense. Larian clearly values player accessibility and performance on portable powerhouses, which is always a good sign for us gamers who want our epic adventures wherever we wander.

So, while we might not be exploring the Sword Coast on the Switch 2 anytime soon, Larian's commitment to player-first design and their affection for versatile platforms like the Switch and Steam Deck remains strong. It's a bit of a bittersweet potion, this news, but there’s definitely a spoonful of sugar in the *Divinity* future. Keep those eyes peeled, mate – Larian might just be cooking up something truly magical for our next portable adventure.

Who knows, maybe one day the stars will align, and that Baldur's Gate spell will finally land where it was meant to. Until then, we'll just have to make do with whatever brilliant chaos Larian decides to unleash next!

Tags: Larian Studios, BaldursGate3, NintendoSwitch2, Divinity, GamingNews

Original article: Eurogamer