Baldur’s Gate 3, one of last year’s best games and all-timer who arguably raised the bar for RPGs, isn’t perfect and its developers, Larian Studios, are well aware of this. The studio is hard at work supporting the critically acclaimed game ever since it was first launched on PC last year.
An example of an issue that even the seemingly infallible D&D game is suffering from is the recent wave of Xbox-exclusive bans.
Primarily affecting Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X users, this concerning problem sees players getting suspended or banned from the platform for recording and/or uploading screenshots or videos containing nudity or sexual content from the game. This is particularly problematic for Baldur’s Gate 3, which includes several nudity-filled scenes.
We’ve seen the reports that some players got banned or otherwise faced issues on Xbox having uploaded screenshots/videos of their ‘gameplay content’. We’re in discussion with Microsoft, and we’re looking into it. Annoying and uncool. pic.twitter.com/FNviQnX8Oh
— Very AFK (@Cromwelp) January 3, 2024
The problem came to light through a post on the r/BaldursGate3 subreddit by user Daddy-Vegas, who warned Xbox users against recording game clips that could be deemed to violate Xbox’s terms of service. The user shared an image of a one-year ban on their Xbox account, which was a result of uploading game clips of “naked camp time fun.” The incident raised questions about the automatic upload feature on Xbox, which by default, shares footage to its servers unless manually turned off.
Larian Studios, recognizing the issue’s severity, is currently in discussions with Microsoft to fix the troublesome issue. An executive, Michael Douse, Director of Publishing at Larian Studios, stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the team is aware of the reports, describing the situation as equal parts “annoying and uncool.” The studio is actively working with Microsoft to address these bans, which have frustrated many players.
In the meantime, Larian advises Xbox players to either disable automatic uploads in their console settings or turn off mature content in Baldur’s Gate 3’s options menu to avoid potential issues. This precautionary measure is essential until a more permanent fix is implemented.
Baldur’s Gate 3’s presence on Xbox has not been without its challenges. Earlier issues included game save problems that affected Xbox users, causing them to lose their entire save files. While a permanent solution for the save issue is still in progress, Larian has provided a workaround for Xbox players to protect their achievements and progress in the game.
Unsurprisingly, the controversy over the bans has sparked debate, with many feeling that the punishment is too harsh for sharing in-game content from a title they purchased. Given that Baldur’s Gate 3 is rated Mature, players argue that they should be allowed to share any aspect of the game. Similar issues have been reported in the past with other games, indicating that this isn’t an isolated problem.
Given how much compromise Microsoft had to make to put Baldur’s Gate 3 on Xbox, it should’ve been aware that the award-winning game would trigger an immediate suspension or ban under the aforementioned circumstances.
As of now, Xbox has yet to release an official statement regarding the bans. Larian Studios promises to keep the community updated on any developments and is committed to resolving the issue in collaboration with Microsoft. The studio’s proactive approach in handling the situation highlights its dedication to supporting players and ensuring a fair gaming experience on all platforms.
