A new tweet from Michael Douse, Director of Publishing at Larian Studios, suggests that Baldur’s Gate III may not be releasing on Xbox platforms until 2024. While the PC version is set to launch on August 3 and the PS5 version on September 6, there have been no updates about the release date for the Xbox Series S/X. This delay is not due to an exclusivity deal, but rather technical limitations on the lower-end Xbox Series S consoles.
The Technical Challenge
Douse addressed the issue in a follow-up tweet, explaining that the studio is facing difficulties with getting split-screen co-op working properly on the Xbox Series S. Despite the challenges, Larian Studios is committed to launching with feature parity across all platforms and is actively working on resolving the technical hurdle.
The Debate Over Xbox Series S
The lower-end Xbox Series S has been at the center of debate recently, with some critics claiming that it limits next-gen gaming due to its 30fps capability. However, in the case of Baldur’s Gate III, the console’s technical limitations are compromising the game’s release on the entire current-gen Xbox ecosystem, including both Series S and Series X. The team is determined to include the split-screen co-op feature, even if it means delaying the release.
Working Towards Seamless Co-op
Despite the frustration for Xbox fans, Larian Studios CEO Swen Vincke confirmed in an interview that achieving parity of features between the two Xbox consoles is essential for them, regardless of Microsoft’s desires. The team is diligently working on incorporating the split-screen feature, but it will take time due to the scale of the game and the need for optimization. The game runs smoothly with one character, but when the co-op party splits up and engages in separate quests and combat, the performance on split-screen mode becomes a challenge. The Xbox Series X offers 16 GB of RAM compared to the Series S’s 10 GB, which puts additional strain on the system.
Larian Studios is determined to bring a seamless drop-in and drop-out co-op feature to the Xbox Series S, an accomplishment that no other RPG of its scale has achieved. This dedication reflects the studio’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of gameplay experience.
Other Highlights from Baldur’s Gate III
Aside from the technical challenges, Baldur’s Gate III has garnered attention for its impressive features. The game boasts cinematics that run for over 174 hours and offers diverse romance options, including one with a brown bear. These unique elements have contributed to the game’s popularity and its spot on Steam’s best sellers list.
In a recent update, Larian Studios announced that players would not be able to preload the game, even for those who have been playing it in early access. The massive game weighs around 122GB on PC, and the studio recommends starting afresh due to the extensive changes made in the full release.
While fans may be disappointed by the delayed release of Baldur’s Gate III on Xbox platforms, Larian Studios is determined to ensure feature parity and deliver a seamless co-op experience. The technical challenges associated with including split-screen co-op on the lower-end Xbox Series S console are being actively addressed, and the team hopes to provide an update by the end of the year. Gamers will have to wait a little longer to experience the highly anticipated RPG on Xbox, but it will undoubtedly be worth it when the game finally arrives in 2024.
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