Meta Weekly – Empowering Indie Success: Larian Studios’ Journey from Kickstarter to Game of the Year

Larian Studios is a beacon of success and a prime example of the power of community & crowdfunding. The journey of “Divinity: Original Sin” and its sequel, “Divinity: Original Sin 2,” through Kickstarter campaigns underscores the potential of grassroots funding for indie studios and highlights the transformative impact of community engagement on the gaming industry.

Not all Kickstarter campaigns are successful however, with games like “No Man’s Sky” falling short at launch. However, they managed to recover and build what they promised crowdfunders a couple years later.

The Divinity series created a unique experience of player freedom & influence in the world story. A plethora of story elements, interesting puzzles and turn based strategy elements lead to success for the series. The Kickstarter for “Divinity: Original Sin 2,” launched in August 2015 with a modest goal of $500,000, reaching its funding target in less than 12 hours. By the end of its run in September 2015, the campaign had raised over $2 million, quadrupling its original target!

Their next hit success Baldurs Gate 3, 2023 Game of the Year, sold over 20 million copies since their release. The game had a budget of $100M, which pales in comparison of other AAA games that receive a $1B budget for development & marketing.

I was able to connect with amazing studios like Larian & CD Projekt RED at D.I.C.E summit a wonderful video game networking conference! I look forward to seeing all of the new projects in Gaming and to possibly see them at PAX East in Boston