Assuming that Larian is making BG3 or other D&D CRPG, some thoughts.
If this is true, what about the Divinity sequel?
- While denying the rumor, Larian said they're working on Divinity. I can't imagine that is also a lie, then they're working on BG3 and Divinity at the same time. While two certainly have many differences, Divinity and D&D are still can be considered as similar generic fantasy settings. (Or will Larian go full-on steampunk for Divinity?)
Why?
- WotC - Obviously they want successful CRPGs like D:OS. Larian's co-op model can be great addition to the D&D "liveplay" culture that WotC is pushing. Also they can have more elaborated (also streamlined?) GM mode with selling all the modules as DLCs.
- Larian - All those things can be good for Larian. With D&D's brand recognition, they may achieve another level of success. Also I imagine working on D&D CRPG would be one of Swen's (and their developers') dreams. They also have Colin McComb, in-house D&D elf expert. But working on Baldur's Gate? I imagine BG3 (or will it even have "3" in title?) by Larian will be quite a different beast in some regards (narrative structure, interactivity, etc.)
What about the combat?
- If it's turn-based, BG/Infinity fans will riot.
- If it's RTwP, some of D:OS fans will be disgruntled but I imagine they will not be as intense as BG fans. (Because it's Baldur's Gate, not Divinity, after all and according to Larian's own survey, their audience don't mind real-time combat. In hindsight, the survey is a little bit suspicious, eh?)
When this was started?
I'd guess relationship with Larian and WotC probably started around this time:
He was at Steam Dev Days in Seattle, where WotC headquarter is at. I don't think this was just for the use of a D&D module in marketing campaign, that probably was a hint of their relationship.