WotC Hasbro gains big time from D&D, Magic, Monopoly, and Baldur's Gate 3

[darjr]

Sure, but I would say you are underestimating the factor that the IP added to BG3, particularly drawing participation and user input in Early Access. I doubt Larian is underestimating the value of that preexisting IP.

Oh they totally understand.

 

[Parmandur]

I think this has as much to do with Larian's involvement and proven record as it does with it being BG3. I'm not saying it doesn't matter but Divinity:OS2 is widely lauded as literally the best CRPG ever for people that make such lists. The long, open development time built huge buzz and bear-sex did more to get people hyped near release than any particular bit of FR lore.

Yes, but BG3 has casually outsold Original Sin 2 in about a month. The D&D IP is a big, big part of that.

 

[Parmandur]

I'm not talking about what they would have done without WotC on THIS game. As I said, they needed WotC to get where they now are.

I'm talking about what they now can do without WotC.

Fair: similarly, I again reiterate that I wouldn't be surprised if Hasbro offers to buy Larian outright, which they have the resources to do.

 

[Reynard]

Yes, but BG3 has casually outsold Original Sin 2 in about a month. The D&D IP is a big, big part of that.

I would suggest that if BG3 is bringing people to D&D, it can't be an overwhelming part of it. Again, I am not saying it isn't an aspect. I am just saying Larian was well known and loved for its CRPGs, particularly D:OS2.

 

[Reynard]

Fair: similarly, I again reiterate that I wouldn't be surprised if Hasbro offers to buy Larian outright, which they have the resources to do.

Larian has already rebuffed multiple buy out offers. Sven isn't interested.

 

[Burnside]

Fair: similarly, I again reiterate that I wouldn't be surprised if Hasbro offers to buy Larian outright, which they have the resources to do.

Me neither, but I don't think Sven's ready to sell just yet.

BG3 just made it possible for him to make whatever dream game he wants to make next, with total creative control. I don't think he sells until AFTER that game is made.

 

[Parmandur]

I would suggest that if BG3 is bringing people to D&D, it can't be an overwhelming part of it. Again, I am not saying it isn't an aspect. I am just saying Larian was well known and loved for its CRPGs, particularly D:OS2.

Is it bringing people to D&D in statistically significant numbers? The plural of anecdotes is not data. And when you are dealing with millions of people, tons of people may be drawn to an IP for the first time while at the same time many more are drawn to the game because of the IP. If the value of people drawn because of the IP is significantly more than $60 million worth (easy enough at these prices), that's a net gain for Larian.

 

[Parmandur]

Larian has already rebuffed multiple buy out offers. Sven isn't interested.

So far. Everyone has a price.

 

[mamba]

I think folks are over valuing the IP relative to Larian's next game. This game will get "everyone" who liked it to buy their next game, whether it is a Divinity sequel or a whole new IP.

I think the IP / name recognition helped this one reach its height, another Divinity probably would not be as popular

I do believe they can now release something non-D&D and have a large part of their audience follow along however

 

[Reynard]

Is it bringing people to D&D in statistically significant numbers? The plural of anecdotes is not data. And when you are dealing with millions of people, tons of people may be drawn to an IP for the first time while at the same time many more are drawn to the game because of the IP. If the value of people drawn because of the IP is significantly more than $60 million worth (easy enough at these prices), that's a net gain for Larian.

Again, I am not suggesting it being BG3 didn't have an impact, but you can't just ignore the extended, responsive Early Access period or Larian's track record or the shock value hype machine, from the initial grotesque announcement trailer to the bear-sex.

Let me put it another way: if D&D and the Forgotten Realm were the main drivers, Honor Among Thieves would have done significantly better than it did.