Larian Studios, the developer behind the highly anticipated RPG Baldur’s Gate 3, has announced a shift in the game’s release schedule, bringing both good and bad news for players on different platforms. Originally set to leave Early Access and officially launch on August 31, the PlayStation 5 version of the game has been delayed by a week and will now release on September 6. However, PC players will be pleased to hear that the PC version of Baldur’s Gate 3 will be launching almost a full month early on August 3.
In an interview with Kotaku, Larian founder Swen Vincke explained the reasoning behind the decision to move the PC version up. Vincke stated that early August seemed like a better time to release the game to PC players, rather than holding it until the console version is also ready. With a crowded release calendar for 2023, Vincke wanted to avoid competing with other September RPGs such as Starfield and the Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty expansion. Therefore, August 3 was chosen as the new release date for the PC version.
Regarding the console versions, Vincke emphasized that Larian’s priority is to achieve a stable 60 FPS framerate. This is why the PS5 version will launch a month later, allowing the team to fine-tune performance and go through submissions. The Xbox Series X/S version is still in development and requires additional time due to different requirements. Vincke assured fans that the team is committed to working on the Xbox version and is gradually overcoming performance barriers.
When Baldur’s Gate 3 was initially announced for PlayStation 5, it was not confirmed for Xbox Series X/S, leading to speculation about exclusivity deals. However, Larian clarified that there was no exclusivity agreement and the delay in bringing the game to Xbox was due to technical challenges. The studio encountered difficulties in making the game’s splitscreen co-op work on the less-powerful Xbox Series S. While the Xbox version currently lacks a release date, Vincke assured fans that the porting process is still ongoing.
In terms of Microsoft’s response to the delayed Xbox release, Vincke praised the company for being supportive and understanding of the development challenges faced by Larian Studios.
Baldur’s Gate 3 has been in Early Access since 2020, receiving regular updates and improvements over the past three years. While the game has had some bugs and missing features during this time, it has shown great promise in a year already filled with highly anticipated RPGs.
Overall, the shifting release schedule for Baldur’s Gate 3 brings both disappointment and excitement for players on different platforms. PC players can look forward to an earlier release, while PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S players will have to wait a bit longer for their respective versions. However, the delays are aimed at ensuring a smoother and more optimized gaming experience for all players when the game finally launches.
What is the reasoning behind Larian Studios’ decision to release the PC version of Baldur’s Gate 3 almost a full month early?
Larian Studios, the game developer responsible for the much-anticipated RPG Baldur’s Gate 3, has announced changes to the game’s release schedule that will affect players on different platforms. While the PlayStation 5 version of the game has been delayed by a week and will now release on September 6, there is good news for PC players as the PC version will be launching almost a full month early on August 3.
In an interview with Kotaku, Larian founder Swen Vincke shed light on the reasoning behind this decision. Vincke explained that releasing the PC version in early August seemed like a more favorable option, rather than holding it until the console version is ready as well. This was primarily done to avoid clashing with other RPGs set to release in September 2023, such as Starfield and the Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty expansion. Choosing August 3 as the new release date for the PC version aims to provide PC players with an optimal gaming experience while minimizing competition from other titles.
This shift in the Baldur’s Gate 3 release date might be disappointing for PlayStation 5 players, but it’s great news for PC players who now have the chance to enjoy the game sooner.
It’s disappointing news for PlayStation 5 players, but PC gamers must be excited to hear about the shifted release date for Baldur’s Gate 3. Let’s hope the delay means a better game for all platforms in the end!