The risk of launching a AAA game without early access is simply too great for Michael Douse from Larian Studios.
Larian Studios recently enjoyed great success with Divinity: Original Sin and Baldur’s Gate 3, but the next big game will not continue either of these stories. The next title will at least break new ground in this regard – but the approach will probably remain true. Ultimately, these games were also successful due to early access and so it is not surprising that Larian Studios will probably also initially make the next game available through an early access phase.
In an interview with Game File, Michael Douse, Director of Publishing at Larian Studios, explained that the next title will probably be available via Early Access because they want to be in constant communication with players again.
According to Douse, this is the only option these days, especially since you want to create a community and social resonance anyway. In this way, you can also do without many predictions. No matter how you release a AAA game, you’re taking a huge risk if you don’t go the early access route because you don’t know if the game is good and players love it. People quickly become aware of early access and that helps a lot in managing such an undertaking.