Larian Studios does technically have a single shareholder in Tencent—which owns around 30% of the company. However, an important piece of context is that Tencent appears to own what's called a "preference" share, meaning that Tencent doesn't have voting rights when it comes to Larian's decision making. The rest of the company belongs to CEO and Founder Swen Vincke and his wife.

Interesting, did not know that.

You know, they got a point. You gotta believe in the project, and when you do it properly, you will make the money back, and much more.

Building games that are actually fun is going to make you the most money, that's it.

Say it louder for the publishers in the back.

It's infuriating how game design is devolving into engagement treadmills instead of simply being fun, concise experiences. The industry needs more Hi-Fi Rushes and less Suicide Squads.

I don't really enjoy their games, but I love them as a studio

The problem is publishers and the huge risk you're selling to create a hit. You still have shareholders. Those who take the risk in financing a game development and those who own the IP.

Unless you got extremely lucky and can gamble with your own cash you always have shareholders in game development.