The release of Patch 8 for *Baldur’s Gate 3* has significantly boosted player numbers on Steam, setting developer Larian Studios up for success as they shift focus to their next major project. Launched last week, Patch 8 added 12 new subclasses and introduced a brand-new photo mode, sparking a surge in player engagement as fans eagerly explored these new features.
Over the weekend, *Baldur’s Gate 3* achieved a concurrent player peak of 169,267 on Steam—an impressive milestone for a single-player role-playing game in its second year. While Sony and Microsoft keep PlayStation and Xbox player numbers under wraps, the game's popularity on Steam speaks volumes about its ongoing appeal.
Reflecting on Patch 8's impact, Larian's chief, Swen Vincke, shared via Twitter his belief that *Baldur’s Gate 3* will continue to thrive due to the player boost and the game's robust mod support. This sustained success allows Larian to concentrate on developing their next major title. "We've got big shoes to fill," Vincke noted, expressing satisfaction with the game's current state and the effort put into Patch 8.
Patch 8 marks the final major update for *Baldur’s Gate 3*, concluding a remarkable period for Larian Studios. The game, which launched to critical acclaim and achieved enormous commercial success in 2023, has continued to perform strongly through 2024 and into 2025.
In a surprising move, Larian announced their departure from the *Baldur’s Gate* and *Dungeons & Dragons* universe to focus on a new, undisclosed project, prompting a media blackout to maintain focus. Meanwhile, Hasbro, the owner of *Dungeons & Dragons*, is planning to continue the *Baldur’s Gate* series. Speaking at the Game Developers Conference, Hasbro's SVP of digital games, Dan Ayoub, expressed that with Larian moving on, there is significant interest in *Baldur's Gate* from various parties.
Ayoub hinted at upcoming announcements related to the series, though he remained coy about specifics. He mentioned the possibility of a full sequel like *Baldur's Gate 4* but emphasized that any such development would be approached carefully and would take time. "We're not in a hurry," Ayoub stated, indicating a measured approach to future plans for the franchise.
