Baldur’s Gate 3, developed by Larian Studios, received an overwhelming amount of critical acclaim that it started to negatively impact the development of the game. According to Swen Vincke, the CEO, and director of Larian Studios, the constant need to send developers to collect awards was becoming a significant issue.
Vincke mentioned in an interview with Edge that while the recognition and celebration of the game’s success were appreciated, the continuous award wins were taking a toll on the team. Sending different teams of developers to various awards shows became a necessity due to the game’s ongoing success. This situation led to emotional fatigue and a lack of closure for the team.
The issue of closure became a recurring theme for Vincke, who expressed a desire to move on from talking about Baldur’s Gate 3 and focus on new projects. Despite the record-breaking awards run technically ending, the game continued to receive accolades, prolonging the need for team members to attend award ceremonies. This ongoing cycle of recognition made it difficult for the team to fully close the chapter on Baldur’s Gate 3.
While Vincke acknowledged the importance of awards and the appreciation for the recognition received, he emphasized the need for balance. As Larian Studios works on new RPG projects, the constant travel and attention to past successes have been a challenge for the team. Vincke’s hope for a collective agreement to celebrate achievements simultaneously reflects a desire for closure and a fresh start on upcoming projects.
The impact of awards success on game development highlights the complexities of balancing celebration with the need to move forward. While recognition is vital for morale and industry reputation, excessive focus on past successes can hinder progress and emotional well-being. Finding closure amidst ongoing accolades presents a unique challenge for teams like Larian Studios, demonstrating the delicate balance required in navigating post-launch success in the gaming industry.
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