In recent weeks, a compelling discussion has emerged concerning the highly anticipated role-playing game, Baldur’s Gate 3, particularly regarding its launch on Xbox Series S. The core of the discourse revolves around the much-debated split-screen feature.
After Larian Studios hashed things out with Microsoft at Gamescom 2023, the console manufacturer finally relented and gave the greenlight to launch the game on their latest platforms. The only catch? The flagship platform will have split-screen co-op while its more economical sibling, the Xbox Series S, will be the only console without it.
As if in response to the ensuing backlash and the presumed precedence that it set, Larian Studios clarified something on Twitter.
In partnership with the talented people at @LarianStudios we're thrilled to share Baldur's Gate 3 will be coming to Xbox later this year!
Stay tuned for more details later. pic.twitter.com/i91SvRagFN
— Xbox (@Xbox) August 25, 2023
Baldur’s Gate 3, which has already established a significant presence on the PC as one of the highest-rated video games on the platform ever, was initially delayed on the Xbox Series S/X due to difficulties making split-screen co-op work on both consoles. The developers behind the game faced technological constraints preventing the successful integration of this feature on the Xbox Series S, specifically because of its weaker hardware and Microsoft’s feature parity policy. This guideline essentially mandates that games should offer consistent features across both the Xbox Series X and Series S. Given Larian’s difficulties with the split-screen feature on the Series S, this created a potential roadblock for the game’s release on either of the Xbox platforms.
Despite these challenges, an interesting turn of events ensued. Recognizing Baldur’s Gate 3’s immense popularity – it rapidly became a standout on Steam and necessitated a hotfix due to the overwhelming demand while the impending PlayStation 5 launch is expected to be just as big – Microsoft granted an exception. The game would be allowed to be released on the Series S without the immediate availability of split-screen, a decision that certainly emphasizes the title’s weight in the gaming community.
While this exception may appear as a mere footnote in the broader narrative of game releases, it has ignited profound debates over the internet, or, as they say, opened a can of worms. It was previously established that the Xbox Series S is a secondary console, but this only reinforced that notion. More importantly, it might give developers the incentive to prioritize the Xbox Series X more.
Already, we’ve seen one game, NARUTO X BORUTO Ultimate Ninja STORM CONNECTIONS, leave out the Xbox Series S, treating it similarly to the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4.
However, Microsoft has been proactive in clarifying its stance: the decision was primarily about ensuring Xbox players could access Baldur’s Gate 3 promptly, rather than signaling a shift in its developer policy.
Though the exact launch date for Baldur’s Gate 3 on Xbox remains under wraps, its PlayStation 5 debut is confirmed for September 6. Moreover, players can anticipate cross-save support across platforms, ensuring a seamless gaming experience.
Ultimately, the ongoing narrative surrounding Baldur’s Gate 3’s Xbox Series S release offers intriguing insights into the complex interplay between technological capabilities, developer policies, and market demands. As the situation continues to unfold, it promises to offer valuable lessons for both developers and gamers alike.
It remains unclear how this will all turn out, but for now, the prevailing story is that Microsoft effectively gave the PS5 a pseudo-exclusive that’s coming out around the same time as Starfield is on the Xbox Series S/X.
Speaking of Starfield, those who paid a premium for the most expensive edition of Starfield are enjoying their purchase, specifically because of the Starfield Chronomark Watch.
