“Reading the reddit threads, I would like to clear up something,” Vincke said. “WOTC is not to blame for us taking a different direction. On the contrary, they really did their best and have been a great licensor for us, letting us do our thing. This is because it’s what’s best for Larian.”
I don’t know how much to read between the lines, but one can read Hasbro is to blame. Praise for WotC and the DnD team. Nothing for Hasbro…
It may be much simpler though - why work on someone else’s IP and make them money, and dance to their turn going forward when you can work on your own?
Divinity Original Sin 2 was also critically acclaimed even if not to BG3 levels, and they own that outright. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re going to make a new IP - nows the time to take such a risk.
That’s what CD Project Red did after Witcher 3 - and while it was rough initially in the end it’s paid dividends.
Independent IP and publishing only deals is how studies stay independent and can thrive.
Cyberpunk is not a new IP, it’s based on the Cyberpunk TTRPG.
What new IP did cdpr create after the witcher 3?
I don’t think they “are to blame” (i.e. main reason), but as you say, reading between the lines, it sounds to me like they were definitely part of the reason.