Baldur's Gate 3 Developer Responds to Alleged Xbox Release Date Leak
Larian Studios responds to the alleged leak unveiling the launch date for the eagerly awaited Xbox version of Baldur's Gate 3, clarifying the situation and providing insights to eager fans
Article Key Points
Recent leaks about the Xbox release date of Baldur's Gate 3 have been deemed inaccurate by Michael Douse from Larian Studios.
The plan to offer split-screen co-op on the Xbox Series S version of Baldur's Gate 3 has been dropped in order to release the game on Xbox consoles by the end of the year. Larian Studios aims to provide Xbox fans with a polished and high-quality release, prioritizing a version of Baldur's Gate 3 that upholds its reputation as one of the top new games of 2023.
Larian Studios' Michael Douse has dismissed recent leaks regarding the release date of Baldur's Gate 3 on Xbox, stating that they are inaccurate. Baldur's Gate 3, highly acclaimed alongside The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, is expected to be one of the top-rated new games of 2023. With its massive success on PC and PlayStation 5, it comes as no surprise that Xbox gamers eagerly anticipate its arrival on their preferred platform.
Originally, the delay in bringing Baldur's Gate 3 to Xbox Series X/S was due to the effort to implement split-screen co-op functionality on both consoles. However, in order to make sure the game is available on Xbox consoles before the end of the year, the decision has been made to temporarily forgo split-screen co-op on the Series S version. Despite Larian's intention to release Baldur's Gate 3 on Xbox Series X/S by the end of 2023, a recent leak provided a more specific release date.
A leak recently suggested that the release date for Baldur's Gate 3 on Xbox would be December 6. However, there were doubts from fans since most new video games are typically released on Tuesdays and Fridays, not Wednesdays. Nevertheless, BG3 was released on PC on a Thursday and the PS5 version came out on a Wednesday, which made others more inclined to believe the leaked date for the Xbox release. When asked about the leak, Michael Douse from Larian responded, "News to me."
Douse provided further details in a follow-up tweet, mentioning that Larian doesn't know the exact Xbox release date yet. They will only determine it once the team is confident in the final version of the game. Douse also emphasized that Larian aims to release Baldur's Gate 3 on Xbox by the end of 2023. "The important thing to remember is that we want to deliver a high-quality version that Xbox fans deserve. That's why we'll continue working on it until we are satisfied with its release."
The main focus should be on delivering an exceptional version of Baldur's Gate 3 that truly satisfies Xbox fans. It is understandable that Larian is being cautious in regards to rushing the Xbox port and instead wants to ensure that the game's release on Series X and S is as polished as can be. Baldur's Gate 3 has gained a reputation as one of the greatest video games ever created, so a subpar port could potentially disappoint some fans. However, Larian has a proven track record of delivering high-quality ports for Xbox platforms, so fans can rest assured about the BG3 Xbox port. There is a high probability that it will be released in a state that solidifies Baldur's Gate 3 as one of the standout games of 2023.
Baldur's Gate 3, developed and published by Larian Studios, is an RPG that draws inspiration from Dungeons and Dragons. This game offers a unique experience with both single player and cooperative gameplay. Players have the ability to design their own character, select a starting class, embark on various quests, level up their skills, and engage in turn-based combat following the rules of the D&D 5th edition.
Franchise Baldur's GatePlatform(s) PC, Stadia, macOS, PS5Released August 3, 2023Developer(s) Larian StudiosPublisher(s) Larian StudiosMetascore 96
Editor's P/S
As a passionate fan of Baldur's Gate 3, I was thrilled to hear the news that the Xbox release date has been confirmed for the end of 2023. I've been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to play this incredible game on my Xbox Series X, and I'm confident that Larian Studios will deliver a high-quality experience that is worthy of the Baldur's Gate name.
The decision to drop split-screen co-op on the Xbox Series S version of the game is a bit disappointing, but I understand the reasoning behind it. Larian Studios is clearly committed to delivering the best possible version of Baldur's Gate 3 on Xbox, and I'm confident that the game will be worth the wait. I'm also excited to see what other features and improvements Larian Studios has in store for the Xbox version of the game.
