This analysis highlights how Larian Studios, led by Sven Vincke, challenges traditional AAA game industry practices with their approach, particularly following the success of Baldur's Gate 3. Instead of pursuing guaranteed profit from DLC they found uninspired, Larian is focusing on developing two new, ambitious RPGs, prioritizing creative freedom and treating game development as a craft. The piece contrasts Larian's trust in their developers and players—even releasing modding tools—with a broader industry trend of prioritizing profit over quality, using AI to cut costs rather than enhance creativity, and viewing players as exploitable resources. Ultimately, it argues that Larian's player-first philosophy and commitment to quality have led to their significant success, demonstrating a stark difference from studios focused on short-term financial gains and predictable sequels.

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