Larian Studios is wrapping up a fantastic year, thanks to Baldur’s Gate 3. They’ve not only crafted one of the best RPGs of the year but also hailed as one of the greatest of all time, a fact underscored by the awards it scooped up at The Game Awards 2023. Yet, there are still millions who haven’t experienced this epic game, and many are eagerly anticipating its arrival on Xbox Game Pass. Let’s delve into the latest updates regarding Baldur’s Gate 3 on Game Pass.
If you’re planning to dive into this grand RPG on PC, make sure to check the system requirements first. While it’s not built on Unreal Engine 5, it still demands a hefty system spec. Consider using an SSD to speed up loading times significantly.
Is Baldur’s Gate 3 on Game Pass?
No, Baldur’s Gate 3 is not coming to Xbox Game Pass. Despite its recent release on Xbox Series X|S, the game won’t be joining Microsoft’s subscription service. This decision is definitive, as confirmed by Larian Studios’ boss, Swen Vincke, in his interview with IGN.
Vincke addressed the rumours about Baldur’s Gate 3 on Game Pass, effectively dashing the hopes of many. He stated, “Oh, we always said from the get-go, it wasn’t going to be on Game Pass, it’s not going to be on Game Pass,” putting an end to any speculation.
However, it’s essential to understand Vincke’s perspective. He points out that Baldur’s Gate 3 is a substantial game without alternative monetization methods like microtransactions. Therefore, opting for the traditional sales model makes sense for them. Vincke’s reasoning is relatively sound, as you can tell from his comments:
Making a game that has a beginning, middle, and an end. We made a big game, so I think there’s a fair price to be paid for that, and I think that that is okay. We don’t charge you any micro-transactions on top of it, so you get what you pay for. Upfront it’s a big meaty game. So I think that should be able to exist as it is. This is what allows us to continue making other games.
Swen Vincke
While it’s terrible that the possibility of Baldur’s Gate 3 on Game Pass is gone, it won’t actually affect the success of the game. Its ongoing record-breaking sales on Steam, where it stands as one of the top PC games of 2023, are a testament to its popularity. With its release on Xbox, it’s reasonable to expect that the game will attract millions more players.
How Much Does Baldur’s Gate 3 Cost?
Baldur’s Gate 3 is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, but the price varies depending on the platform. On Steam for PC, you can grab BG3 for $59.99 without any discounts. For those looking to play on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S, the standard edition is priced at $69.99.
It’s worth noting that the standard price for triple-A games has been around $70 for the past couple of years. Naturally, you will have to spend this amount since you have no chance of getting Baldur’s Gate 3 on Game Pass.
However, rest assured, the investment is likely to pay off. The game offers hundreds of hours of gameplay. It is highly replayable, allowing you to experience the adventure multiple times with different classes and characters.
Final Thoughts
Recent leaks from Microsoft emails revealed that maintaining Game Pass is a costly affair. It turns out Xbox was spending millions each month to keep specific titles in its library. Intriguingly, there was a particular allocation of $5 million for keeping Baldur’s Gate 3 on Game Pass.
However, as things stand today, these plans won’t be materialising. The idea of spending $5 million seems moot now, as Baldur’s Gate 3 has skyrocketed to become the best game of the year. This success makes it unlikely that Larian Studios will reconsider its stance on Baldur’s Gate 3 on Game Pass. Moreover, it doesn’t seem like Xbox Game Studios will pursue this avenue any further.
That wraps up what we have to share about Baldur’s Gate 3 on Game Pass at the moment. Stay tuned, as we’ll be bringing you more guides and insights on this fantastic RPG in the days ahead. As we bid farewell to 2023, you might also want to check out Alan Wake 2 or delve into the surprising success story of Modern Warfare 3.
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