Baldur’s Gate 3 on Xbox: release date leaked

Contents

Baldur’s Gate 3 finally arrives on Xbox
Why the Xbox port was delayed
Microsoft breaks its own rules
Implications for the Future of Xbox Series S

Baldur’s Gate 3 has finally gotten a tentative release date for Xbox Series X|S. A community-loved feature will be missing, but at least Xbox players will finally be able to enjoy one of the best games of 2023.

After quite a long wait, Xbox users are finally getting a tentative release date for Baldur’s Gate 3. After having to wait several months after the game’s release on PS5 and PC, sources now have a release date scheduled for later this year.

After the release of Baldur’s Gate 3 in early August on PC, followed shortly after by the PS5, many Xbox players were curious to know if the game would have a version on Microsoft’s consoles. Larian CEO Swen Vincke has previously spoken about some technical issues delaying the Xbox version, but recently a leak revealed an expected release date for Xbox.

Baldur’s Gate 3 finally arrives on Xbox

According to Computer, sources have revealed that the expected release date of Baldur’s Gate 3 on Xbox Series X|S is December 6, 2023.. This appears to be the date Larian Studios is targeting so far. Playtests on Xbox are currently underway and if these no longer pose any problems, the game should still be released this year.

According to Swen Vincke, CEO of Larian, the Xbox port is still on schedule:

Latest on Xbox – currently in active testing, still on schedule for this year. We will announce the exact release date when we are sure it will be done.

— Swen Vincke @where? (@LarAtLarian) October 31, 2023

Why the Xbox port was delayed

If you’re wondering why the Xbox version of Baldur’s Gate 3 is releasing months after the PC and PlayStation version, you can blame the Xbox Series S. The Xbox Series S doesn’t have the performance to support the popular split-screen feature. and Larian Studios refused to release the game without this mode working to the same standard on Xbox Series requirement for Xbox Series S. .

All the improvements will be there, with split-screen co-op on Series X. Series S will not feature split-screen co-op, but will also include cross-save progression between Steam and Xbox Series.

— Swen Vincke @where? (@LarAtLarian) August 24, 2023

Microsoft breaks its own rules

The decision to initially launch “Baldur’s Gate 3” exclusively on PlayStation 5 may not be entirely motivated by tactical reasons but also by technical reasons. Larian, the developer, cannot provide the same features on Xbox Series S as on Xbox Series frame rate and resolution.

Now Microsoft has broken its own rule. Split-screen mode which allows for couch co-op play will not be available on the Xbox Series S. Cross-save functionality will still be possible between the Xbox Series S and Steam. This feature will also be available for PlayStation 5, requiring a Larian account. However, crossplay will not be possible.

Implications for the Future of Xbox Series S

The highly acclaimed “Baldur’s Gate 3” appears to have been big enough for Microsoft to bend its own rules. This unprecedented decision could have lasting effects. Other developers and publishers might feel disadvantaged. The Xbox Series S’s weakest hardware has been a topic of discussion since its launch. Studios usually want to release their games on all platforms simultaneously, which could be hampered by this situation.

Some community members even wondered if Microsoft could bury the Xbox Series S with this decision. The Xbox Series S is by far the weakest console in terms of performance. And that processing power is necessary for features like split-screen, especially when displaying lots of details from different environments for both players at once. Unfortunately for Xbox Series S owners, once this precedent is set, other developers may follow suit.

There is some good news for PC gamers, however. On August 25, the first patch for “Baldur’s Gate 3” was released, aiming to fix over 1,000 issues in the game. For more guides on BG3, stay tuned here on SamaGame.com.

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