In an exciting development for RPG enthusiasts and fans of the acclaimed series, Larian Studios has officially announced the release of the physical edition of Baldur’s Gate 3, set to arrive in the first quarter of 2024. The best part? It’s cheap.
Baldur’s Gate 3: Deluxe Edition will be available for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X, which comes as a delight to CRPG fans who value physical copies of their favourite titles.
Priced at a competitive 79.99 £/€, the physical edition of Baldur’s Gate 3 is a fulfillment of a promise made by Larian to its fans following the initial and surprising award-winning success of the threequel. The Deluxe Edition stands out for its playability-on-disc feature. The PlayStation 5 version will include two discs, while the Xbox variant boasts three discs to accommodate the game’s expansive content. PC gamers are not left behind, as their version will consist of a custom installer and a Steam key, ensuring a comprehensive gaming experience.
Playable-on-disc? Must be the Baldur's Gate 3 – Deluxe Edition.
Preorder: https://t.co/LJJG5IGOG8
The Deluxe Edition for PS5, Xbox, and PC includes the Digital Deluxe edition, as well as exclusive physical feelies, including a 3-disc OST, map, and more – all for $79.99. pic.twitter.com/QjXDIIgU2A
— Larian Studios (@larianstudios) November 16, 2023
Michael Douse, Larian’s Director of Publishing, expressed the company’s excitement about this venture, emphasizing a rare understanding of the value of physical media. He acknowledged the challenges associated with the archiving of a game as massive as Baldur’s Gate 3 and conveyed Larian’s commitment to experimenting with physical releases, even if it requires an extensive number of discs. This forward-thinking approach is evident in the studio’s decision to sell the physical Deluxe Edition exclusively on the Larian store, where it is already available for pre-order.
The physical edition of Baldur’s Gate 3 is packed with enticing features beyond the game discs. The package includes an original soundtrack on three CDs, a cloth world map, two fabric patches, thirty-two stickers, and a Baldur’s Gate 3 art poster. These additions significantly enhance the value of the Deluxe Edition, making it a must-have for collectors and fans alike.
In addition to these physical items, the Deluxe Edition will also encompass all the existing Digital Deluxe content of the game. This includes the Divinity Item Pack, Bard Song Pack, Exclusive Dice Skin, Paintings from Rivellon, Adventurer’s Pouch, and more. These digital bonuses, coupled with the physical items, make the Deluxe Edition a comprehensive package for fans of the series.
The decision to release a physical edition of Baldur’s Gate 3 aligns with Larian Studios’ philosophy of understanding and responding to the desires of their audience. The studio’s approach to physical media is a blend of traditional gaming as well as modern-day gaming trends. This strategy is evident in their decision to include a vast array of both physical and digital content in the Deluxe Edition, ensuring that it appeals to a broad spectrum of gamers.
Baldur’s Gate 3 has already proven to be a commercial and critical success since its official release. This physical edition is poised to further cement its status in the gaming world.
With seven wins at the Golden Joysticks and eight nominations at the upcoming Game Awards, Baldur’s Gate 3 is RPG’s frontrunner. The upcoming Xbox release date for the game is set to be announced at the Game Awards on December 7, adding to the anticipation surrounding this title.
The release of the physical Deluxe Edition of Baldur’s Gate 3 is a significant moment for Larian Studios and the gaming community. By combining a rich array of physical and digital content, Larian Studios is offering an unparalleled gaming experience that caters to the preferences of a diverse gaming audience.
In the meantime, we all can join Larian in wishing that other developers will use Baldur’s Gate 3 as an inspiration to try their hands at making a CRPG game.
