Fact check: Larian Studios worked with different design mandates and restrictions than Wizards of the Coast. For example, they were not required to shit on the Ranger Class.

1. Summary of the results

1. Summary of the results:

The statement implies an adversarial relationship between Larian Studios and Wizards of the Coast (WOTC) that is not supported by available evidence. Swen Vincke, Larian's head, explicitly stated that WOTC was "a great licensor" who gave them significant creative freedom during Baldur's Gate 3's development.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints:

• Larian's departure from D&D projects was their own choice, not due to restrictions
• WOTC gave Larian "carte blanche" during development
• The partnership was financially successful, generating $90 million for Hasbro
• WOTC/Hasbro are actively pursuing other D&D video game projects with different studios
• Larian stopped potential DLC/BG4 development because they felt it "wasn't coming from the heart," not due to external pressures

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement:

The statement appears to stem from a common narrative in gaming communities that portrays WOTC as overly restrictive with their IP. This narrative benefits:

• Competitors in the tabletop gaming space who want to position themselves as more creator-friendly
• Critics of WOTC's business practices who use such narratives to support their arguments

The "shit on the Ranger Class" comment appears to be an editorial injection reflecting personal opinions about WOTC's game design choices rather than any documented restriction or mandate in their partnership with Larian.