The release of the eagerly awaited Patch 8 for *Baldur’s Gate 3* has led to a significant surge in player numbers on Steam, setting the stage for developer Larian to shift focus towards its next ambitious project. This massive update, which introduced 12 new subclasses and a brand new photo mode, revitalized the game's community, drawing both new and returning players to explore its fresh content.

Over the weekend, *Baldur’s Gate 3* reached a concurrent player peak of 169,267 on Steam, a remarkable achievement for a single-player RPG in its second year. While Sony and Microsoft keep PlayStation and Xbox player numbers under wraps, the surge on Steam alone speaks volumes about the game's enduring appeal.

Reflecting on Patch 8's impact, Larian's chief, Swen Vincke, expressed optimism about the game's future. In a tweet, Vincke noted that the thriving mod support, combined with the player boost from Patch 8, positions *Baldur’s Gate 3* to "continue to do well for quite some time." This success, he added, allows Larian to concentrate on crafting their next major title. "We’ve got big shoes to fill," Vincke remarked, indicating the high expectations for their upcoming project.

Patch 8 marks the final major update for *Baldur’s Gate 3*, concluding an extraordinary chapter for Larian. Since its launch in 2023, the game has garnered critical acclaim and achieved significant commercial success, continuing to sell strongly into 2025.

In a surprising move, Larian announced its departure from the *Baldur’s Gate* and *Dungeons & Dragons* franchises to focus on a new, yet-to-be-revealed game. This decision was followed by a media blackout to concentrate on the mysterious project. Meanwhile, D&D owner Hasbro has hinted at continuing the *Baldur’s Gate* series. Speaking at the Game Developers Conference, Hasbro's SVP of digital games, Dan Ayoub, revealed that with Larian moving on, "a lot of people [are] very interested in Baldur's Gate."

Ayoub mentioned that Hasbro is formulating future plans for the franchise and teased that announcements are forthcoming. While he did not specify whether these plans involve a new *Baldur’s Gate* game or a crossover like the previous collaboration with *Magic: The Gathering*, Ayoub expressed a long-term desire for a *Baldur’s Gate 4*, though he acknowledged it would require time. "We're going to take a very measured approach," he said, indicating a thoughtful strategy for the franchise's future.