Larian Doubles Down on Handhelds: Why the Next Divinity is a Win for Steam Deck Owners
The Bottom Line: During a recent Reddit AMA, Larian Studios Technical Director Bert van Semmertier confirmed that the studio is prioritizing Steam Deck support for their next Divinity project. Following the massive success of Baldur’s Gate 3 on Valve’s handheld, Larian is aiming for "accessibility first," signaling that they won't let high-end tech like forced ray tracing gatekeep players with modest hardware.
We’ve been tracking Larian since the early days of Divine Divinity, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that they don’t just chase trends—they set them. After Baldur’s Gate 3 dominated the "Most Played" charts on Steam Deck for the better part of two years, Larian’s latest commitment to the platform isn't just a PR win; it’s a strategic roadmap for the next generation of CRPGs.
Performance vs. Visual Fluff
One of the biggest takeaways from the AMA was the discussion surrounding technical limitations. We’ve seen too many modern titles launch with "forced" ray tracing or unoptimized bloat that turns the Steam Deck into a pocket-sized space heater. Larian seems to be taking the opposite route. By acknowledging the technical hurdles of BG3's D&D ruleset and the Deck's limitations, the studio is signaling a "performance-first" architecture.
Our analysis: This move likely means we’ll see highly scalable engine settings. While the "graphics snobs" might clamor for path tracing, we believe prioritizing a stable 30-40 FPS on SteamOS is the smarter play for the CRPG genre. Accessibility ensures the modding community—which Larian explicitly praised—stays vibrant and active across all hardware tiers.
Key Takeaways from the Larian AMA
| Topic | Larian’s Position | Our Expert Take |
|---|---|---|
| Steam Deck Support | "Do our best to again release on the platform." | This is as close to a "Day 1" handheld guarantee as you'll get in 2026. |
| Ray Tracing | Focus on accessibility over hardware locks. | Expect optional RT; Larian won't pull a "Cyberpunk" and alienate mid-range rigs. |
| Linux/Anti-Cheat | History of compatibility with SteamOS. | Unlike Apex Legends or Valorant, the next Divinity won't be a compatibility nightmare. |
| Modding | High praise for the BG3 community. | Expect robust Steam Workshop support from launch, extending the game's shelf life. |
Avoiding the "Live Service" Trap
Unlike many AAA studios that are currently tripping over their own feet with intrusive DRM or Linux-breaking anti-cheat software (we’re looking at you, EA and Riot), Larian’s path is refreshingly clear. Their games are built on a foundation of player freedom. By sticking to their guns and ensuring their engine plays nice with SteamOS, they are securing a massive install base that other developers are actively alienating.
We saw how Original Sin 2 pushed the genre forward, and how BG3 brought it to the mainstream. If the next Divinity maintains this level of optimization, it won't just be a great game; it’ll be the "killer app" that keeps the handheld PC market thriving.
The Verdict
Larian isn't just making a game; they’re building an ecosystem. We expect the next Divinity to launch with "Great on Deck" verification as a top-tier priority. For those of us who prefer critting goblins from the comfort of a couch rather than a desk, this is the best news we've heard all year. Larian knows their audience, and more importantly, they know the hardware their audience is actually using.
- What we want to see: A dedicated "Handheld" UI toggle at launch.
- The Risk: Feature creep could still push the CPU requirements beyond the current Deck's APU limits.
- The Win: A commitment to accessibility means more players, more mods, and more Divinity.